U.S. patent application number 08/861814 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for information processing apparatus, information processing method and identification code.
Invention is credited to ASANO, YASUHARU, FUJIMURA, SATOSHI, HIROE, ATSUO, HONDA, HITOSHI, ISHII, KAZUO, KAKUDA, HIROSHI, KATO, YASUHIKO, KITANO, HIROAKI, OGAWA, HIROAKI, OMOTE, MASANORI, SHIMAKAWA, MASATO, YAMADA, KEIICHI.
Application Number | 20010043594 08/861814 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 15725390 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010043594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OGAWA, HIROAKI ; et
al. |
November 22, 2001 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND
IDENTIFICATION CODE
Abstract
There is provided an information processing apparatus which may
be applied to an information processing apparatus being connected,
for example, to an information network such as Internet for
transmitting and receiving various pieces of information in order
to make access to such network through a terminal of simplified
structure such as a telephone terminal. A code for uniquely
identifying, for example, a telephone terminal and a computer
terminal may be formed with the codes corresponding to operators of
a telephone terminal.
Inventors: |
OGAWA, HIROAKI; (TOKYO,
JP) ; KAKUDA, HIROSHI; (KANAGAWA, JP) ;
YAMADA, KEIICHI; (KANAGAWA, JP) ; ASANO,
YASUHARU; (KANAGAWA, JP) ; FUJIMURA, SATOSHI;
(TOKYO, JP) ; KITANO, HIROAKI; (SAITAMA, JP)
; ISHII, KAZUO; (KANAGAWA, JP) ; KATO,
YASUHIKO; (TOKYO, JP) ; SHIMAKAWA, MASATO;
(KANAGAWA, JP) ; OMOTE, MASANORI; (KANAGAWA,
JP) ; HONDA, HITOSHI; (TOKYO, JP) ; HIROE,
ATSUO; (TOKYO, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William E. Vaughan
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLC
P.O. Box 1135
Chicago
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
15725390 |
Appl. No.: |
08/861814 |
Filed: |
May 22, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/356 ;
370/392; 370/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 7/12 20130101; H04M
2201/60 20130101; H04L 51/00 20130101; H04M 3/5307 20130101; H04L
9/40 20220501; H04M 2201/40 20130101; H04M 7/1295 20130101; H04M
7/128 20130101; H04L 65/80 20130101; H04L 65/1101 20220501 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/356 ;
370/400; 370/392 |
International
Class: |
H04L 012/66; H04L
012/28; H04L 012/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 1996 |
JP |
P08-160933 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An information processing apparatus connected to information
network for transmitting and receiving various pieces of
information, comprising: means for receiving a code, which is an
identification code input from one communication terminal among
those of a plurality of kinds on the same network belonging to a
first user and is formed by combination of the codes corresponding
to operators operated at said communication terminal, to identify
at least one communication terminal of a plurality of kinds on he
same network belonging to a second user or an information
originating terminal offering information on the network as an
access destination; means for obtaining an address of the access
destination corresponding to said identification code received; and
means for making communication between said address obtained and
communication terminal of the first user.
2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said identification code includes an index code which
indirectly indicates an address of said access destination and said
apparatus further comprising: a retrieval table storing said
identification code and address of communication terminal belonging
to the second user or address of said information originating
terminal on one to one basis; and means for comparing said input
identification code with said retrieval table to obtain address of
access destination corresponding to said identification code.
3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein said identification code is transmitted through data
compression.
4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein said index code is formed in the hierarchical
structure.
5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said identification code is formed of an attribute data
indicating a kind of access destination and a personal data
indicating an address of access destination.
6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein said personal data includes an access right information
indicating propriety of access; and said apparatus further
comprising: means for restricting access to said personal data
based on said access right information.
7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein said personal data any of the electronic mail, telephone
number of telephone terminal, facsimile apparatus number and
address.
8. An information processing apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein an address of corresponding said personal data is output in
order to mail information transmitted to or received from a
computer.
9. An information processing apparatus connected to information
networks for transmitting and receiving various pieces of
information, comprising: means for receiving a code, which is an
identification code input from one communication terminal among
those of a plurality of kinds on the same network belonging to a
first user and is formed by combination of the codes corresponding
to operators operated at said communication terminal, to identify
at least one communication terminal of a plurality of kinds on the
same network belonging to a second user or an information
originating terminal offering information on the network as an
access destination; management means for administrating individual
data indicating incorporation of said identification code in
correspondence to said identification together with a kind of
access object; and control means for controlling communication of
said information depending on contents administrated by said
management means.
10. An information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein said management means includes link information instructing
link with said communication terminal.
11. An information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein said management means includes time management information
indicating the schedule of incorporated user of said identification
code.
12. An information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein said management means includes information regarding
conditions for allowing the link corresponding to said link
information.
13. An information processing apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein said management means includes the conditions for
invalidating link together with the information regarding
conditions for allowing link.
14. An information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein said means for controlling information communication
transfers the information originated to the predetermined user
depending on contents registered to said management means.
15. An information processing apparatus according to claim 14,
wherein said means for controlling information communication
transfers said information in accordance with the address of said
information originating terminal.
16. An information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein said means for controlling information communication
transfers, depending on said link information, the information
originated to said second user to the link destination linked to
said identification code.
17. An information processing apparatus according to claim 11,
wherein said means for controlling information communication
transfers said information in accordance with said time management
information.
18. An information processing apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein said means for controlling information communication
transfers said information in accordance with said link permitting
conditions and said link information.
19. An information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein said means for controlling information signal converts said
information to be transferred in accordance with a kind of said
access object.
20. An information processing apparatus connected to information
networks for transmitting an input information input via a
communication terminal, comprising: means for receiving a code,
which is an identification code input from one communication
terminal among those of a plurality of kinds on the same network
belonging to a first user and is formed by combination of the codes
corresponding to operators operated at said communication terminal,
to identify at least one communication terminal of a plurality of
kinds on the same network belonging to a second user means for
obtaining an address of the access destination corresponding to
said received identification code; means for discriminating a type
of the communication terminal of the access destination from said
address obtained; and means for transmitting, after data
conversion, said input information corresponding to a type of said
communication terminal discriminated.
21. An information processing apparatus according to claim 20,
wherein said input information is formed of a voice signal and said
voice signal is transmitted after it is converted to the text data
through voice recognition.
22. An information processing apparatus according to claim 21,
wherein the image formed by said text data is transmitted by image
data or video data.
23. An information processing apparatus according to claim 20,
wherein said input information is text data and said text data is
transmitted by a voice signal through speech synthesis.
24. An information processing apparatus according to claim 20,
wherein said input information is a voice signal and said voice
signal is transmitted after it is converted to voice data of the
predetermined format through the analog-to-digital conversion
process.
25. An information processing apparatus according to claim 20,
wherein said input information is an image data input via a
facsimile apparatus and said image data is transmitted after it is
converted to text data by executing character recognition process
to the image formed by said image data.
26. An information processing apparatus according to claim 25,
wherein said text data is transmitted by a voice signal through the
speech synthesis.
27. An information processing apparatus which is connected to an
information network for accumulating various pieces of input
information inter-related organically with each other for
transmitting and receiving said input information between said
information storing means and a terminal, comprising: means for
forming the identification code required for transmission and
reception of said input information through combination of the
codes corresponding to the operators operated on the telephone
terminal; and means for totally or partially converting said input
information on the occasion of inputting or outputting said input
information to or from said information storing means.
28. An information processing apparatus according to claim 27,
wherein said input information is a voice signal and said voice
signal is transferred after it is converted to text data through
speech synthesis.
29. An information processing apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein video formed by said text data is transmitted by an image
data or by video data.
30. An information processing apparatus according to claim 27,
wherein said input information is text data and said text data is
transmitted by voice signal through speech synthesis.
31. An information processing apparatus according to claim 27,
wherein said input information is formed of voice signal and said
voice signal is transmitted after it is converted to the voice data
of the predetermined format through the analog-to-digital
conversion process.
32. An information processing apparatus according to claim 27,
wherein said input information is image data input via a facsimile
apparatus and said image data is transmitted after it is converted
text data by executing the character recognition process to the
image formed by said image data.
33. An information processing apparatus according to claim 32,
wherein said text data is transmitted by voice signal through
speech synthesis.
34. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network for transmitting and receiving various pieces
of information, comprising: means for forming the identification
code required for transmission and reception of said information by
combining the codes corresponding to the operators operated on the
telephone terminal; and means for transmitting said information
input from the information terminal by adding thereto an address
code consisting of said identification code.
35. An information processing apparatus according to claim 34,
wherein said address code is generated by executing voice
recognition to the voice signal input from a telephone
terminal.
36. An information processing apparatus according to claim 35,
wherein said address code is formed by selecting the code
previously registered, in accordance with the voice recognition
result.
37. An information processing apparatus according to claim 36,
wherein said address code selection is executed by selecting the
code corresponding to a word by recognizing, through voice
recognition, the voice of said word which is previously and
individually registered by a user.
38. An information processing apparatus according to claim 34,
wherein said address code is formed by detecting pronunciation of
voice corresponding to the guide by voice.
39. An information processing apparatus according to claim 34,
wherein said address code is formed by detecting operation of
operator on a telephone terminal or the terminal having the same
operator as the telephone terminal.
40. An information processing apparatus according to claim 39,
wherein said address code is formed by detecting said operation of
operator corresponding to the guide by voice.
41. An information processing apparatus according to claim 34,
wherein said address code is formed by character recognition of
image formed by the image data input from a facsimile
apparatus.
42. An information processing apparatus according to claim 34,
wherein said address code can be set again.
43. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network for transmitting an electronic mail input via a
terminal, comprising: means for forming the identification code
required for transmission and reception of said electronic mail
through combination of codes corresponding to operator operated on
a telephone terminal; and means for transmitting, through data
conversion, an input information forming contents of said
electronic mail in accordance with selection of an originating
terminal of said electronic mail or in accordance with a
destination terminal of said electronic mail.
44. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is voice signal and said voice
signal is transferred after it is converted to text data by voice
recognition.
45. An information processing apparatus according to claim 44,
wherein an image formed by said text data is transmitted by image
data or by video data.
46. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is text data and said text data is
transmitted by voice signal through the speech synthesis.
47. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is voice signal and said voice
signal is transmitted after it is converted to voice data of the
predetermined format by the analog-to-digital conversion
process.
48. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is formed of an image data input via
a facsimile apparatus and said image data is transmitted after it
is converted to text data through character recognition process of
an image formed by said image data.
49. An information processing apparatus according to claim 48,
wherein said text data is transmitted by voice signal through
speech synthesis.
50. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is expressed by combination of codes
corresponding to operator operated on a telephone terminal.
51. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is selected from the text registered
previously in response to operation of operator on a telephone
terminal.
52. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein said input information is selected from the text registered
previously in accordance with the voice recognition result.
53. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein the data indicating the time for use is added to said input
information.
54. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein the identification data indicating a kind of input
information terminal to said input information.
55. An information processing apparatus according to claim 43,
wherein the identification data indicating characteristic of voice
of an originator to said input information.
56. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network for storing various pieces of information
inter-related organically with each other to an information storing
means to transmit or receive said input information between said
information storing means and a terminal, comprising: means for
forming the identification code required for transmission and
reception of said input information by combining the codes
corresponding to operator operated on a telephone terminal; and
means for adding classification information of said input
information to said input information to be stored in said
information storing means.
57. An information processing apparatus according to claim 56,
wherein said classification information is the data for identifying
a kind of input terminal having input said input information.
58. An information processing apparatus according to claim 56,
wherein said classification information is the identification data
indicating characteristic of a user having input said input
information.
59. An information processing apparatus according to claim 56,
wherein said identification data is detected by said voice of
user.
60. An information processing apparatus according to claim 56,
wherein said classification information is formed by combination of
codes corresponding to operators operated on a telephone
terminal.
61. An information processing apparatus according to claim 56,
wherein characteristic of voice of user is utilized for user
identification for access to said information network.
62. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein user identification is executed by checking pronunciation
of keyword registered previously for the access to said information
network.
63. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network for transmitting voice signal input via a
terminal, comprising: means for forming the identification code
required for transmission and reception of said voice signal by
combining the codes corresponding to operators operated on a
telephone terminal; means for transmitting said voice signal
through data conversion; and means for notifying amount of data
after said data conversion to a charging system.
64. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network for storing various pieces of information
inter-related organically with each other to an information storing
means for transmission and reception of said input information
between said information storing means and a terminal, comprising:
means for forming the identification code required for transmission
and reception of said input information by combining the codes
corresponding to operators operated on a telephone terminal, and
means for offering, in response to the request from said terminal,
the information held separately to said terminal during access to
said input information stored in said information storing
means.
65. An information processing apparatus according to claim 64,
wherein an attribute data indicating characteristic of a user
making access to said information is held in accordance with said
identification code and said information held separately is
selected and offered in accordance with said attribute data.
66. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network for originating information input via a
terminal, comprising: means for forming the identification code
required for transmission and reception of said information by
combining the codes corresponding to operator operated on a
telephone terminal, and means for offering said information by
voice in accordance with said identification code or selection by
user.
67. An information processing apparatus according to claim 66,
wherein said information is offered by voice through the speech
synthesis process.
68. An information processing apparatus according to claim 66,
wherein said information is offered by voice by reproducing the
contents previously recorded.
69. An information processing apparatus according to claim 68,
wherein said voice is varied or said voice is changed over in
accordance with contents of said information or operation by
user.
70. An information processing apparatus according to claim 69,
wherein said variation of voice is executed by changing speed and
level of the voice.
71. An information processing apparatus according to claim 69,
wherein said voice is once punctuated at the space of said
information to change the voice quality or language in order to
vary said voice.
72. An information processing apparatus according to claim 66,
wherein said information to be offered is notified following the
guide by voice.
73. An information processing apparatus according to claim 66,
wherein said information to be offered is selected for the offering
purpose.
74. An information processing apparatus according to claim 73,
wherein said information is an electronic mail and said selection
process is executed with reference to the subject of said
electronic mail.
75. An information processing apparatus according to claim 73,
wherein said information is an electronic mail and said selection
process is executed with reference to the length of contents.
76. An information processing apparatus according to claim 73,
wherein said information is an electronic mail and said selection
process is executed in accordance with inclusion or not inclusion
of predetermined characters in the subject.
77. An information processing apparatus according to claim 73,
wherein said information is an electronic mail and said selection
process is executed in accordance with inclusion or not inclusion
of characters input or selected by a user in said subject.
78. An information processing apparatus according to claim 73,
wherein said information is an electronic mail and said selection
process is executed in accordance with inclusion or not inclusion
of a part of the character group input or selected by a user in
said subject.
79. An information processing apparatus being connected to an
information network to store various pieces of information
inter-related organically with each other for transmitting and
receiving said information between said information storing means
and a terminal, comprising: means for forming the identification
code required for transmission and reception of said information by
combining the codes corresponding to operators operated on a
telephone terminal, and means for adding, to said information, the
control code for identifying a part output by the speech synthesis
and a part output by the text.
80. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein said information is selectively offered by voice in
accordance with said control code.
81. An information processing apparatus according to claim 80,
wherein said information is offered through designation by
voice.
82. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein the headline of said information is offered by the speech
synthesis of the hierarchical structure.
83. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein the headline of said information is offered by the speech
synthesis in accordance with the frequency of total access.
84. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein the headline of said information is offered by the speech
synthesis registered for each user.
85. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein inter-relation of said information is established by link
between the words included in each information and the other
information and said information is offered by voice by varying or
changing over the voice with said words.
86. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein access is made to said information storing means by the
voice recognition or character recognition of the address data
input from a terminal.
87. An information processing apparatus according to claim 86,
wherein access destination for said information storing means can
be registered previously.
88. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein an audio data is offered in addition to said
information.
89. An information processing apparatus according to claim 79,
wherein said information is offered through classification with
reference to information regarding a user.
90. An information processing apparatus according to claim 89,
wherein said information regarding a user is obtained from said
voice of user.
91. A communication identification code to be processed by an
information processing apparatus being connected to an information
network for transmitting and receiving various pieces of
information, wherein said identification code is input from one
communication terminal among those of a plurality of kinds on the
same network belonging a first user and is formed by combination of
the codes corresponding to operators operated on said communication
terminal to identify, as the access destination, at least one of
the communication terminals of a plurality of kinds on the same
network or an information originating terminal offering information
on the network belonging to a second user; an address of the access
destination corresponding to said identification code is obtained
in said information processing apparatus; and communication is
executed between said address obtained and a communication terminal
as the first user.
92. An identification code for communication according to claim 91,
wherein said identification code includes an index code indicating
indirectly an address of said access destination, and an address of
the access destination corresponding to said identification code is
obtained on the basis of a retrieval table storing, on one-to-one
basis, said identification code and an address of the communication
terminal or an address of said information originating terminal
belonging to the second user.
93. A communication identification code to be processed by an
information processing apparatus being connected to an information
network for transmitting and receiving various pieces of
information, wherein said identification code is input from one
communication terminal among those of a plurality of kinds on the
same network belonging a first user and is formed by combination of
the codes corresponding to operators operated on said communication
terminal to identify, as the access destination, at least one of
the communication terminals of a plurality of kinds on the same
network or an information originating terminal offering information
on the network belonging to a second user; individual data
indicating incorporation of said identification code is
administrated, together with a kind of access object, in said
information processing apparatus corresponding to said
identification code, and communication of said information is
controlled in accordance with said individual data corresponding to
said input identification code.
94. An information processing method for transmitting and receiving
various pieces of information through connection with an
information network, comprising the steps of: receiving the code,
as the identification, input from one communication terminal among
those of a plurality of kinds on the same network belonging to a
first user and formed of combination of the codes corresponding to
operators operated on said communication terminal to identify, as
the access destination, at least one of said communication
terminals of a plurality of kinds on the same network or an
information originating terminal offering the information on the
network; obtaining an address of the access destination
corresponding to said identification code received, and making
communication between said address obtained and the communication
terminal of the first user.
95. An information processing method for transmitting and receiving
various pieces of information through connection with an
information network, comprising the steps of: receiving the code,
as the identification, input from one communication terminal among
those of a plurality of kinds on the same network belonging to a
first user and formed of combination of the codes corresponding to
operators operated on said communication terminal to identify, as
the access destination, at least one of said communication
terminals of a plurality of kinds on the same network or an
information originating terminal offering the information on the
network; administrating the individual data indicating
incorporation of said identification code together with a kind of
access object corresponding to said identification code; and
controlling communication of said information in accordance with
said individual data being administrated and kind of said access
object.
96. An information processing method for transmitting input
information input via a communication terminal through connection
with an information network, comprising the steps of: receiving the
code, as the identification code, input from any one communication
terminal among those of a plurality of kinds on the same network
belonging to a first user and formed by combination of the codes
corresponding to operators operated on said communication terminal
to identify, as the access destination, at least one communication
terminal among those of a plurality of kinds on the same network
belonging to a second user; obtaining an address of the access
destination corresponding to said identification code received;
discriminating a kind of the communication terminal of the access
destination from said address obtained; and transmitting said input
information through data conversion corresponding to a kind of said
communication terminal discriminated.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a processing information
which may be adopted, for example, to a server of information
network such as internet, etc. for enabling access to such
information networks with terminals of simplified structure by
forming an identification code to uniquely identify telephone
terminals and computer terminals, etc. using the codes
corresponding to an operator of a telephone terminal.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] An information network such as the internet is caused to
offer various pieces of information assuming accesses from
computers.
[0005] Namely, in the internet, access can be made to the World
Wide Web (WWW) by expressing protocol and host name, etc. in the
access format consisting of URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
Moreover, in the electronic mails, a mail address can be generated,
in the same manner, by expressing user name and domain name with
the predetermined expression format.
[0006] In such an information format, it has been discussed, in
order to expand the possible services, to transmit electronic mails
even to facsimile apparatus and pager, etc. and, in addition, it
has been made possible in a certain provider to transmit electronic
mails through speech synthesis.
[0007] If a variety of information can be obtained by making access
to the information network of this type explained above from a
telephone terminal, the network of this type can be utilized more
effectively. However, the information network of this type requires
keyboard operation by a user because it is assumed to make access
from a computer. Namely, this information network has a problem
that the necessary information cannot be identified without
operation of the keyboard. Thereby, it has been difficult to make
access to such type of information from certain types of telephone
terminals.
[0008] A service by speech synthesis which is partially utilized is
only a local service on the internet by the restricted providers
and it is now impossible to enjoy the services of the information
except for electronic mails. Moreover, the services for facsimile
apparatus and pager which are now discussed in a part of this field
is only the one which may be realized by the internet in place of
the current telephone network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] With the background explained above, the present invention
is intended to provide an information processing apparatus which
can offer various kinds of services by making access to the
information network, for example, from telephone terminals.
[0010] In order to solve such problems, the present invention
generates the identification code required for transmission and
reception of information in the network by combining the codes
corresponding to operators operated in the telephone terminals.
[0011] Corresponding to this identification code or without
relation to this identification code, an management data base
having registered information of information origination terminal
or information destination terminal is generated to changeover the
information transmission and reception processes.
[0012] Moreover, in the information processing apparatus for
transmitting information such as electronic mail or in the
information processing apparatus for holding organically
incorporated various pieces of input information, data is
transmitted through data conversion due to selection of the
information origination terminal and moreover an input information
is totally or partially converted at the time of inputting or
outputting information to/from an information storing means.
[0013] In addition, in such an information processing apparatus,
information is transmitted through addition of an address code
formed of the identification code and an input information
classification information is also added. In the case of the
information transmission by the voice signal, amount of data after
data conversion is notified to a charging system.
[0014] Moreover, in the information processing apparatus of this
type, while access is made to the information accumulated in the
information storing means, information stored separately is offered
to terminal units and thereby information can be offered by
voices.
[0015] Furthermore, information itself is formed through addition
of the control code for identifying the part which is output by
speech synthesis and the part which is output by text.
[0016] Formation of the identification code required for
transmission and reception of information in the information
network through combination of codes corresponding to operators
operated in a telephone terminal enables reception of information
services through access to the information network from a telephone
terminal.
[0017] In addition, data conversion and transfer services, for
example, may be offered by forming an management database
corresponding to or without relation to the identification code and
then changing over the information transmission and reception
processes.
[0018] Namely, in the information processing apparatus for
transmitting information such as electronic mails or in the
information processing apparatus for holding organically
incorporated various pieces of input information, the information
of this kind may be input or output, for example, from a telephone
terminal through data conversion.
[0019] In more practical, the information transfer service may be
implemented by transmitting information with addition of address
code including the identification code, the corresponding data
conversion process may be implemented by addition of the input
information classification information and when the voice signal is
transmitted, a share of users may be eased by notifying amount of
data after data conversion to a charging system.
[0020] Moreover, various pieces of information may be offered
through effective use of connection waiting time by offering the
information stored separately to the terminal units while the
access is being made to the information stored in the information
storing means. In addition, such information may also be offered by
voices for further convenience.
[0021] Further, the information of this type can easily be
generated by forming the information itself with addition of a
control code for identifying the part output through speech
synthesis and the other part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of the
presently preferred embodiments thereof, which description should
be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a server in the
information network in relation to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the network to
which the server of FIG. 1 is adopted;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a table indicating the basic Gaia codes;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a table indicating the attribute codes of FIG.
3;
[0027] FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams offered to explain the encoding
of the Gaia codes;
[0028] FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams indicating the encoded Gaia
codes;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a table indicating a server index of FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a diagram offered to explain the server index of
FIG. 7;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a table indicating various pieces of information
expressed by the Gaia codes;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a table indicating actual various pieces of
information of FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating relationship between a
Gaia server and a MAM server;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating relationship of FIG.
11 with the total system;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a table indicating a user information management
database;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a table indicating the Gaia code incorporation
table of the user information management database of FIG. 13;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a table indicating the user information database
of the user information management database of FIG. 13;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating user data of FIG. 15;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating non-terminal data of FIG.
15;
[0040] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating terminal data of FIG.
15;
[0041] FIG. 19 is a flowchart offered to explain the setting
updating process in the table of FIG. 15;
[0042] FIG. 20 is a flowchart offered to explain reference to the
table of FIG. 15;
[0043] FIGS. 21A and 21B are flowcharts offered to explain
transmission of an electronic mail;
[0044] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the communication
sequence in FIGS. 21A and 21B;
[0045] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing continuous
communication sequence of FIG. 22;
[0046] FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts offered to explain
destination input in FIGS. 21A and 21B;
[0047] FIGS. 25A and 25B are flowcharts offered to explain subject
input in FIGS. 21A and 21B;
[0048] FIGS. 26A and 26B are flowcharts offered to explain content
input in FIGS. 21A and 21B;
[0049] FIGS. 27A and 27B are flowcharts offered to explain
destination input by voice recognition;
[0050] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing communication
sequence of FIGS. 27A and 27B;
[0051] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing continuous sequence
of FIG. 28;
[0052] FIG. 30 is a flowchart offered to explain interim change of
destination input method;
[0053] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing processing sequence of a
server in FIG. 30;
[0054] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram indicating communication
sequence in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31;
[0055] FIGS. 33A and 33B are flowcharts offered to explain input of
contents by selecting a formatted sentence or free sentence;
[0056] FIGS. 34A and 34B are schematic diagrams indicating
continuation of FIGS. 33A and 33B;
[0057] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram indicating communication
sequence of FIGS. 33A and 33B and FIGS. 34A and 34B;
[0058] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram indicating communication
sequence for inputting the contents with a free sentence in FIG. 33
and FIG. 34;
[0059] FIGS. 37A and 37B are flowcharts offered to explain input of
contents with a facsimile apparatus;
[0060] FIG. 38 is a flowchart offered to explain services with a
MAM server;
[0061] FIG. 39 is a flowchart offered to explain user
identification;
[0062] FIG. 40 is a flowchart offered to explain notification of
the number of electronic mails;
[0063] FIG. 41 is a flowchart offered to explain services of
electronic mail;
[0064] FIG. 42 is a flowchart offered to explain retrieval of
electronic mails by voice recognition;
[0065] FIG. 43 is a flowchart offered to explain retrieval of
electronic mails by the number of characters;
[0066] FIG. 44 is a flowchart offered to explain retrieval of
electronic mails by communication partner;
[0067] FIG. 45 is a flowchart offered to explain retrieval of
electronic mails by an urgent keyword;
[0068] FIG. 46 is a flowchart offered to explain retrieval of
electronic mails by keywords classified for each type;
[0069] FIG. 47 is a flowchart offered to explain reading of
subjects;
[0070] FIG. 48 is a flowchart offered to explain reading of English
subjects;
[0071] FIG. 49 is a flowchart offered to explain reading of
subjects by language identification fuction;
[0072] FIG. 50 is a flowchart offered to explain reading of a
message;
[0073] FIG. 51 is a table indicating sources of extended HTML
format;
[0074] FIG. 52 is a continuous table of FIG. 51;
[0075] FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing access to the home page by an
ordinary WWW browser;
[0076] FIG. 54 is a diagram showing the processing results of
sources shown in FIG. 51 and FIG. 52 by the processing of FIG.
53;
[0077] FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence by an
exclusive server holding a browser to appreciate the sources of
FIG. 51 and FIG. 52;
[0078] FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the processing results of
sources shown in FIG. 51 and FIG. 52 by the processing of FIG.
55;
[0079] FIG. 57 is a diagram showing objects of voice recognition by
the processing of FIG. 56;
[0080] FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing navigation for linking
destination by voice recognition in the server 1;
[0081] FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of
navigation for linking destination with a DTMF signal;
[0082] FIG. 60 is a diagram indicating the guide to the linking
destination by the processing of FIG. 59;
[0083] FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence for
registration of messages in the message service;
[0084] FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing continuous sequence of FIG.
61;
[0085] FIGS. 63A and 63B are flowcharts showing a processing
sequence for making access to contents of message dial;
[0086] FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence of
FIGS. 63A and 63B;
[0087] FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing continuous sequence of FIG.
64;
[0088] FIGS. 66A and 66B are flowcharts showing a processing
sequence for registration of image data by a facsimile apparatus
6;
[0089] FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence of
FIGS. 66A and 66B;
[0090] FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing continuous sequence of FIGS.
66A and 66B;
[0091] FIG. 69 is a block diagram illustrating peripheral structure
of the server 1;
[0092] FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing the book mark registration
service when a user has made access from a telephone terminal;
[0093] FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing the book mark registration
processing by a facsimile apparatus;
[0094] FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of the
book mark processing when access is made to the selected service by
voice;
[0095] FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of
charging service;
[0096] FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing continuous sequence of FIG.
73; and
[0097] FIG. 75 is a table offered to explain the other input
method.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0098] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0099] (1) Total Structure
[0100] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a server of the
information network depending on the preferred embodiments of the
present invention. This server 1 is capable of making communication
with a user terminal via the telephone network and also with the
other server via the internet 2 as required. Thereby, this server 1
can offer various kinds of services in addition to the services
offered by the ordinary internet server, in response to the request
from user terminals.
[0101] Namely, the telephone network connecting means 3 receives
voice signal, voice data, image data through a facsimile apparatus,
pager data, DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signal via the
telephone network and also executes the encoding, decoding, error
correcting operation and dial pulse transmission and reception in
accordance with transmission and reception of such signals and
data. Thereby, the server 1 is formed to offer, to a computer,
various services through the communication like ordinary personal
computer communication and also to offer various services to the
telephone terminal 5, facsimile apparatus 6, private terminal 15
and pager by detecting operations of the operators in these
terminal units. Here, the private terminal 15 the exclusive
terminal of this server 1, namely the liquid crystal display panel
for displaying text data, image data and image data transmitted
from the telephone network connecting means 3, transceiver for
inputting and outputting voice and radio telephone terminal having
an operator corresponding to the telephone terminal.
[0102] Meanwhile, the internet connecting means 7 forms a
connecting means between the internet 2 and this server 1 to
transmit and receive the data, for example, of electronic mails,
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer
Protocol) via the internet 2.
[0103] A data format converting means 8 is controlled by a central
processing means 9 depending on the user request to change over the
operation, outputs the voice data obtained via the telephone
network connecting means 3 and image data of the facsimile
apparatus obtained via the telephone network connecting means 3 to
the internet connecting means 7 after these are converted to the
data on the internet and also outputs in turn the data obtained via
the internet connecting means 7 after it is converted to the voice
signal, etc. to be applied to the telephone network. In this data
conversion, a data format converting means 8 transmits the address
code of these data using the Gaia code explained later and also
transmits the address code which identifies the server and contents
of server. On the contrary, when data depending on the Gaia code is
received, this data is converted to the original format as
required. In addition, for the transmission and reception of this
Gaia code, the data format converting means 8 transmits or receives
this Gaia code through data compression.
[0104] A central processing means 9 controls the total operations
of the server 1 to offer various services depending on the keying
operations at the computer 4, telephone terminal 5, facsimile
apparatus 6 and private terminal 15. In addition, in this case, the
central processing means 9 discriminates a type of a terminal unit
connected to the telephone network connecting means 3 depending on
type of telephone line connected to the telephone network
connecting means 3, data exchange when communication is started
between the terminal and telephone network connecting means 3 and
format of input data input via the telephone network connecting
means 3 and offers various services by the data format fitted to
the terminal depending on this discrimination result.
[0105] Namely, a terminal can be identified from the originator
number when the communication is started for the access by means of
the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), or from the cell
number to which a hand-held telephone set belongs for the access by
means of the hand-held telephone set or from the header added at
the leading edge of the image data for the access by means of the
facsimile apparatus.
[0106] A voice recognition means 10 is controlled by the central
processing means 9 to change over the operation in order to execute
voice recognition for the voice signal input via the internet
connecting means 7 and voice signal recorded in a recording and
reproducing means 12 and convert these voice signals into address
data, text data, etc. Thereby, the server 1 can make access to
various pieces of information using the voice signal via the
telephone terminal 5, a telephone terminal incorporated to the
facsimile apparatus 6 and private terminal 15 and can originate by
voice the electronic mail in the text data format.
[0107] A speech synthesis means 11 executes the speech synthesis
process for the data input via the internet connecting means 7 and
the data stored in an external memory 13 to output the voice
signal. This voice signal is output as required to he telephone
network connecting means 3 and internet connecting means 7.
Thereby, the server 1 can offer various services by voice and also
offer the service of reading by voice the electronic mail in the
form of the text data.
[0108] A recording and reproducing means 12 records the voice
signal input via the internet connecting means 7 and telephone
network connecting means 3 and reproduces and outputs the voice
signal in response to the user request. Thereby, the server 1 can
offer so-called the message dial service and voice guide
service.
[0109] A character recognizing means 14 inputs an image data of
facsimile apparatus and image data of bit map format or JPEG (Joint
Photographic Experts Group) format via the telephone network
connecting means 3, executes character recognition process for the
image formed from these data and thereby converts these image data
into the text data. Thereby, the server 1 can make access to
various pieces of information by means of the facsimile apparatus 6
and transmit an electronic mail by means of the facsimile apparatus
6.
[0110] An image combining means 16 converts, on the contrary to the
character recognizing means 14 explained above, the test data into
an image data of the facsimile apparatus. Thereby, the server 1 is
designed to originate various pieces of information such as an
electronic mail to the facsimile apparatus 6. Thereby, the server 1
is capable of transmitting or receiving information to or from
vairous terminals, such as output of electronic mail by the voice
signal to the facsimile apparatus 6, by combining mutual data
conversion processes centered on the test data among the voice
recognizing means 10, speech synthesis means 11, character
recognition means 14 and image combining means 16.
[0111] An external memory apparatus 13 stores various kinds of
information required for operation of the server 1 such as entry
information management and spool management of electronic mails.
Therefore, the server 1 is designed to form the Gaia server and MAM
server by means of the server program in this central processing
means 9, while the external memory apparatus 13 also forms the
database by these servers.
[0112] A printer 17 is controlled by the central processing means 9
to print out addresses and contents of electronic mails. Thereby,
the server 1 can distribute the electronic mails by mail. The
server 1 is also connected a charging system and local service
server which will be explained later to offer various kinds of
services.
[0113] (2) Gaia Code
[0114] The server 1 forms the identification code required for
transmission and reception of information on the internet by
combination of codes corresponding to the operators to be operated
in the telephone terminals. Hereinafter, the identification code
due to combination of these codes is called the Gaia code. The
operable operators are composed of the operators of numerals "0" to
"9" and the operators of signs "*" and "#". Thereby, the server 1
can input the identification code required for transmission and
reception of information with an input from the telephone terminal
5 and facsimile apparatus 6 to make access to the information
network of this type from these apparatuses. The Gaia code is
generated, as required, in place of the identification code by an
ordinary ASCII code depending on selection by users or depending on
the terminal or server as a partner of communication with the
server 1. Accordingly, the server 1 is also capable of transmitting
and receiving various pieces of information to and from ordinary
servers in the internet.
[0115] Moreover, the server 1 holds a retrieval table 13A in the
external memory apparatus 13 so that it can assure, regarding the
Gaia code, the one-to-one correspondence between each
identification code and information on the network and terminal.
This retrieval table 1 may be retrieved as required by the central
processing means 9.
[0116] Here, a telephone terminal is used in the embodiment, but
the Gaia code may be formed through combination of the codes
(including characters and signs, etc.) corresponding to the
operators of the other communication terminals, for example,
computer and private terminal, etc.
[0117] This retrieval table 13A is placed under the management,
like a DNS (Domain Name System), for example, incorporation with
the same type of server connected to the internet (hereinafter, the
server function by the Gaia code is called the Gaia server).
Thereby, a large number of code information can be effectively
processed and administrated. Accordingly, each Gaia server is
enough to be linked with the adjacent other Gaia server.
[0118] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the server
1 can transmit or receive, on the contrary, an electronic mail to
the electronic mail address "ogawa@pdp.crl.son.co.jp" on the
corresponding internet with reference to the retrieval table 13A
from the electronic mail address of "0123*125#48", for example,
through the network NET on he internet formed of the Gaia servers
1A to iF of the same type.
[0119] Thereby, the server 1 is capable of receiving an electronic
mail via the telephone terminal 5 when the electronic mail
information is given as the voice signal and, in the same manner,
receiving the various kinds of information offered of voice data by
identifying the information originator with the telephone terminal.
Moreover, in the same manner, when the information to be
transmitted and received is the image data of the facsimile
apparatus 6, information service can be received through the
facsimile apparatus 6. On the contrary, a computer 4 is capable of
transmitting various pieces of information by designating the
terminals such as telephone terminal 5, facsimile apparatus 6 and
pager, etc.
[0120] Basically, the identification code is formed , as shown in
FIG. 3, of the Gaia code to identify each computer, etc. Namely,
the Gaia code can be discriminated depending on the identifier
arranged at the leading edge. When the identifier has a value "0",
the Gaia code is the attribute code which is generated by encoding
the character string of the ASCII (American Standard Code for
Information Interchange) code. Therefore, when the identifier is
given by the value "1", it indicates the corresponding index code
of the information in the memory apparatus on the network. This
index code indicates the code for identifying the position of the
Gaia server and the index in this server. Briefly, the index code
is a so-called abbreviation number and can be obtained by encoding
the address of information used frequently and the a communication
terminal number.
[0121] The attribute code is generated, as shown FIG. 4, by the
encoding in the data format converting means 8 or by the direct
input from the telephone terminal 5 and the identifier of two
digits indicating the contents are assigned, following the
identifier "0" indicating the attribute code. The attribute code
identifying the access destination with this identifier indicates,
when the identifier of two digits has the value "01", that the
subsequent content is telephone number. In this case, the
subsequent content is formed by describing the telephone number.
Moreover, when the identifier of two digits has the values "02" and
"03", it indicate that the subsequent content is the facsimile
number of G3 type and G4 type. In this case, the subsequent content
is formed by describing the number in direct.
[0122] Meanwhile, when the identifier of two digits has the values
"04" and "05", it indicates that the subsequent content is the
address by HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and the electronic
mail address. In the former case, the address after "http: " is
encoded, while in the latter case, the address as a whole is
encoded by the data format converting means 8 or an input is
applied in direct from the telephone terminal 5, etc.
[0123] Here, the encoding is performed, as shown in FIG. 5, by
converting each character code into the decimal number of three
digits for each character string (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B) expressed by
the hexadecimal number wit the ASCII code and then coupling such
decimal numbers. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, various address data
such as telephone number, facsimile number of G3 format and
electronic mail address, etc. are expressed by the Gaia code
corresponding on one to one basis. In addition, on the occasion of
this encoding, it is possible to provide convenience to user for
input of the Gaia code from the telephone set, etc. by conducting
compression of data, such as the Huffman coding.
[0124] Therefore, the data format converting means 8 converts, as
required, between the ASCII code and Gaia codes in the data
communication with ordinary servers on the internet and
communication with user terminals such as computer 4, etc., the
addresses on the electronic mail addresses and world wide webs.
Moreover, the converters inputs, for the access from the telephone
terminal 5 and facsimile apparatus 6, in direct, the addresses of
the Gaia code from these apparatuses to the Gaia servers.
[0125] Moreover, the data format converting means 8 executes data
compression by applying the predetermined data compression method
depending on the generation probability of the same numerals in the
Gaia codes generated as explained above. Thereby, the data format
converting means 8 is capable of efficiently transmitting the Gaia
code data by compressing the increasing data length through the
encoding process of this type.
[0126] Meanwhile, the index code is formatted by the hierarchical
structure and in this embodiment, such index code is generated by
utilizing the country code and area code of the telephone number.
Namely, as shown in FIG. 7, the index code is formed in such a
manner that the value "1" is followed by the country code, area
code and is then by the index in the server.
[0127] Thereby, in the Gaia server, the index code is processed to
offer the services which users desire by applying the management
method for domain information by DNS in the electronic mails of
itnernet and for correspondence between the host name and IP
address.
[0128] Namely, as shown in FIG. 8, when a request of the index code
"1140812345" including the identifier is issued, for example, to
the Gaia server 1A having the area code "03" in Japan having the
country code "81", the central processing means 9 of this Gaia
server 1A judges the index code from the identifier of the leading
digits and inquires the index code "140812345" to the Gaia server
1B of the upper rank to administrate Japan because the subsequent
country code is different.
[0129] The Gaia server 1B having received this inquiry also
inquires the index code "140812345" to the Gaia server 1D of
further higher rank to administrate all servers in the world
because the country code is different. The Gaia server 1D which
administrates the world retrieves its own retrieval table and
inquires here the index code "40812345" to the Gaia server 1E which
administrates the U.S. A with reference to the country code.
[0130] Upon reception of this inquiry, the Gaia server 1E also
retrieves the retrieval table and then inquires the index code
"12345" to the Gaia server 1F which administrates California with
reference to the subsequent area code. Thereby, the Gaia server 1F
having received this inquiry transmits the necessary information to
the Gaia server 1E and this Gaia server 1E transmits this
information to the Gaia server 1D which administrates the world in
accordance with the inquiry information which has been once stored.
Moreover, this information is then sequentially transferred, in
accordance with the corresponding inquiry information, to the Gaia
server 1B which administrates Japan and the Gaia server 1A which
administrates the area having the area code "03" and is finally
transferred to the user terminals.
[0131] Thereby, the Gaia server 1 retrieves the corresponding
information with reference to the index code by the Gaia code and
offers the retrieved information to the computer 4, telephone
terminal 5 and facsimile apparatus 6, etc.
[0132] In the case of electronic mail service, the server 1 judges
the destination of an electronic mail with the attribute
information. When the destination is given as the address, contents
and address of the mail are printed by an external printer 17 and
the electronic mail is mailed to this address.
[0133] FIG. 9 is a table indicating address data corresponding to
the attribute codes of the identification code. Here, these address
data are given the attribute information indicating a kind of data
for identifying electronic mail address, address by http and ftp,
address and telephone number, etc. Therefore, the Gaia server 1
holds these address data in the external memory apparatus 13 and
offers these address data as required.
[0134] (3) MAM Server (Multi Address Mapping Server)
[0135] In order to assure sufficient security in offering of such
address data, the Gaia server 1 sets, as shown in FIG. 10, the
access right data to the leading edge of each address data
depending on designation from users and operation of the network.
In addition, the Gaia server 1 allows, when the data for access
right is set open, free access to this data as the open data. If
the access right data is set closed, disclose of data is stopped,
as required, by confirming the access.
[0136] In regard to the information designated in local, this
information is held once in the MAM server 1 and thereafter this
local information is offered by the MAM server 1, as shown in FIG.
11, corresponding to access check request and request for referring
to local information from the Gaia server. Therefore, the MAM
server 1 is structured of a server program by the same processing
means 9, etc. as the Gaia server 1 in order to realize the services
such as multi-address communications by the Gaia server 1 and
security may be assured and the services such as multi-address
communication and aliasing, etc. which will be explained later may
also be offered by switching the information response to each
inquiry from such Gaia server 1. Here, the local information means
the information for making reference to the MAM server where the
actual addresses exist.
[0137] For the access check request, the MAM server 1 requests
input of the password number to a user and judges success or
failure of access by identifying a user from the password number.
When services are offered by voices, this MAM server 1 requests
input of voice as required as will be explained later and executes
the processing for user identification through voice recognition,
etc.
[0138] Since the Gaia server and MAM server have been structured as
explained above, the server 1 of FIG. 1 structures, as shown in
FIG. 12, the MAM server 21, Gaia code server 22 and management
server 23 and is then connected to an electronic mail spool 25,
etc. of the local domain 24 via the internet 2. FIG. 12 illustrates
the central processing means 9 of FIG. 1 through the classified
three functions of the MAM sever, Gaia code server and management
server.
[0139] The MAM server 1 refers to the user information management
database 13B held in the external memory appartus 13 for the
reference from the Gaia code server and executes various kinds of
services by returning, for example, the local information.
[0140] (3-1) User Information Management Database
[0141] Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the user information management
database 13B is formed of a Gaia code incorporation table and a
user information database. As shown in FIG. 14, the Gaia code
incorporation table registers the incorporated users of all Gaia
codes administrated by the server 1 together with object
classification identified by the Gaia code. The link with the user
information database is set depending on this classification. In
the user information management database, only the users registered
in each Gaia code are recognized to update the classification
incorporated to each Gaia code and user information management
database.
[0142] For instance, in FIG. 14, it is indicated that the codes
starting from the Gaia code "01000" are incorporated to a person A
and the codes starting from the Gaia code "02000" are incorporated
to a group B. Of the Gaia codes incorporated to a person A, the
Gaia code "01012" identifies a virtual telephone terminal of the
person A, while the code "01013" identifies a virtual computer
terminal or private terminal of the person A. Here, a virtual
communication terminal has been set considering convenience of
transfer to the communication terminals liked which will be
explained later.
[0143] Moreover, the Gaia code "01021" identifies a hole telephone
terminal of the person A, while the Gaia codes "01022" and "01023"
identify the telephone terminals (hand-held telephone sets) in the
office and the other attending place of the person A.
[0144] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 15, the user information
database summarizes user information for each user registered in
the Gaia code incorporation table. Each user information is formed
of user data, non-terminal data and terminal data. The user data is
structured of registered person data, schedule data and transfer
operation data. Moreover, the non-terminal data and terminal data
are structured of the data for identifying information transfer
destination such as telephone number and mail address, etc. of the
temporary and permanent places.
[0145] As shown in FIG. 16, the registered person data of user data
is the data of registered person himself and is composed of the
Gaia code, password number and personal name, etc. The password
number is used to identify the registered user and is formed to
allow the access of only the registered users. Moreover, a personal
name is set allowing registration of a plurality of names and
thereby a pen name, for example, may also be registered in addition
to own name and the reference access right for disclosing or not
the access from users can also be set. The names in FIG. 16 are set
to disclose the contents of all accesses. In addition to these
names, as the registered person data, the voice templete for user
identification and a keyword used for user identification may also
be registered.
[0146] On the other hand, the schedule data indicates user schedule
and is structured of the real data indicating contents of schedule
and data indicating the reference access right. In this FIG. 16, it
is registered that a person A went to an amusement park on May 7,
1996 and took the long term holiday from Apr. 26 to May 7, 1996.
Moreover, the access right is set, in regard to the schedule of May
7, 1996, so that reference is allowed only to a person C (FIG. 14)
who is identified by the Gaia code "03000". In the same manner, in
regard to the schedule of days from Apr. 26 to May 7, 1996, the
access right is set so that reference is allowed to a person C
identified by the Gaia code "03000" and a group B identified by the
Gaia code "02000".
[0147] In this user data, as the setting of such reference access
right, time and location of registered users may also be registered
in addition to the Gaia codes. Thereby, various conditions may be
set, for example, midnight access is inhibited. It is also
possible, moreover, to set to present the particular data for the
access from a particular person. Accordingly, a message can be
transmitted by voice signal or voice data and moreover a map till
the home may also be presented by image data.
[0148] The transfer operation data is formed with registration of
contents of processing which is executed in different manner from
the usual processing by user when information of electronic mail,
etc. is transmitted to the Gaia code to which the users are
incorporated. In FIG. 16, when it is requested to transfer the
electronic mail to a person A to the facsimile apparatus (FIG. 14)
of the Gaia code "01041", it is specified that the electronic mail
is transmitted after it is converted to the image data
corresponding to the facsimile apparatus and when it is requested
to transfer the electronic mail to the telephone terminal of the
Gaia code "01023", it is specified that the ringing signal is once
transmitted.
[0149] In these cases, the access right is set to be able to make
reference to this setting for the group B identified by the Gaia
code "02000," and the person C identified by the Gaia code "03000".
As the transfer operations, various conditions may be set by
setting of the non-terminal data. For example, transmission of
information from the particular Gaia code may be set for various
conditions in the case of transmission to the particular transfer
destination, namely, information is transferred to the particular
transfer destination within the predetermined time. In these cases
or in other cases, the server 1 sets these operating conditions to
register the processes such as display of the name of originator
and title of the electronic mail to the pager, for example, when an
electronic mail is received and or when it is recorded in the
electronic mail spool.
[0150] As shown in FIG. 17, the non-terminal data relates to the
non-terminal (virtual) Gaia code to which this user is incorporated
and this data is formed of the telephone number and non-terminal
mail address. In this case, the telephone number identified by the
Gaia code "01012" is registered as the object telephone number and
four linking destinations are registered for this telephone number
according to the conditions. Namely, as a default (without
condition), the link destination and conditions are registered so
that the information to this telephone number is transferred to the
telephone number identified by "01021" and transferred, as an
exception, to the telephone number identified by the Gaia code
"01022" during the time from 9:00 to 18:00 of the week days.
[0151] Moreover, corresponding to the schedule of a user, the link
destination and conditions are registered so that information is
transferred to the telephone number identified by the Gaia code
"01023" on May 7, 1996 and the link destination is invalidated
every day during the time from 22:00 to 7:00 and telephone call for
the Gaia code "01012" is not connected. In this case, the server 1
sends the operation data to an originator with the guide by voice
or is capable of registering these operations to the transfer
operation of the user data so that a message recorded previously in
the recording and reproducing means 12 can be transmitted to an
originator.
[0152] Moreover, in this case, whether these link destination and
condition are opened or not to any user is specified by the
reference access right. When the link destination and condition are
overlapped, the server 1 is caused to transfer the information to
the link destination under the higher priority condition set by the
user. In any case, default has the lowest priority. In this
embodiment, the condition for specifying the link destination may
also be set depending on the Gaia code of originator and the
current position of the user registered. Thereby, this server can
freely transfer the telephone call as required.
[0153] The mail address is the data regarding the non-terminal mail
address to which this user is incorporated and is structured, as in
the case of the telephone number, of the Gaia code indicating the
mail address of an object, link destination and reference access
right. Here, the electronic mail of the address "01013" is
registered as an object and the link destination is registered
depending on three conditions for this mail address. Namely,
information to this mail address as the default is transferred to
the transfer destination identified by the Gaia codes "01031" and
"01032" and it is also registered that all users are capable of
making reference to this relationship. Moreover, information from
the Gaia code "02000" is transferred to the transfer destination
identified by the Gaia code "01032" and it is also registered that
only the user of the Gaia code "02000" is capable of making
reference to this relationship. Namely, the user having the
reference access right can look over the conditions of the link
destination.
[0154] Moreover, corresponding to the schedule of a user, it is
registered that information is transferred, on May 7, 1996, to the
transfer destination identified by the Gaia codes "01031" and
"01032" and only the user of the Gaia code "03000" is capable of
making reference to this relationship. With the relationship of
these links, the server 1 transfers the electronic mail, converts
the message into the image data of the facsimile apparatus
depending on registration of the transfer operation of user data
and issues once the ringing signal.
[0155] A terminal data is the data regarding the Gaia code of the
terminal to which this user is incorporated as shown in FIG. 18.
This terminal data is constituted of telephone number, mail address
of terminal, facsimile apparatus number and pager number. Here, it
is registered that the telephone number identified by the Gaia code
"01021" is the home telephone number, while the telephone numbers
identified by the Gaia codes "01022" and "01023", are the office
telephone number and hand-held telephone number. Moreover, the
reference access rights are respectively set to these telephone
numbers. In the same manner, the related information and reference
access right may also be registered to the mail address, facsimile
apparatus number and pager number.
[0156] The user information management database 13B is set first to
the default value when a user is registered to this server 1 and
the setting is updated, at the time of registration and later, with
the input of a user himself depending on the guide by voice. That
is, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the setting update processing of
the user information management database 13B. The central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP2 from the step SPI in this
processing sequence to execute the user identification.
[0157] Here, the central processing means 9 urges a user to select
the input means in accordance with the guide by voice signal and
text data. Here, the central processing means 9 receives, by user's
selection, input of ID and password number, etc. with voice input
using the keyboard or voice recognition process and retrieves this
ID and password number depending on the retrieval table 13A and
user information management database 13B to identify the user. In
the case of access from the private terminal 15 and computer 4, the
central processing means 9 automatically obtains the user ID and
password number with the communication with the auto-log-in program
of the private terminal 15 and computer 4. Moreover, in this user
identification process, the central processing means 9 makes
inquiry as required to the other servers 1A to 1F to execute the
table setting update process in this registered server 1 for the
users registered in the other servers 1.
[0158] When a user is identified as the registered user by this
user identification process as explained above, the central
processing means 9 moves to the step SP3 and notifies the menu
which may be selected by the voice signal or text data. When a user
selects here update of the user information management database
with the key input or voice input, the central processing means 9
notifies a registered table. Notification is executed by the method
selected by a user. For example, for the user who has made access
from the computer 4 or private terminal 15, a schedule, for
example, requested by user is displayed via the display screen of
the computer 4 or private terminal 15.
[0159] For the user who has made access from a telephone terminal
5, contents recorded by voice is notified only for the range which
is desired by a user depending on the interactive format through
voice recognition and speech synthesis. In addition, for a user who
has made access from the facsimile apparatus 6, contents registered
by voice or image output from the facsimile apparatus 6 are
notified, depending on selection by user, through a telephone
terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6.
[0160] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP4 to accept addition and update of contents notified from
the user and thereafter shifts to the step SP 5 to complete this
processing sequence. Thereby, in the server 1, the user information
management database is updated by user himself as required to
update the telephone transfer destination. In this case, contents
of addition and update are accepted by the voice recognition
process in the services by voice or by the character recognition in
the character recognizing means 14 for the access from the
facsimile apparatus 6.
[0161] On the other hand, when it is requested to know the schedule
of a user, it is considered to make an inquiry to the user
information management database from a third party because of the
fact that the electronic mail is not transferred or by checking of
the mail address of the direct mails. In this case, the central
processing means 9 executes the processing sequence shown in FIG.
20 and permits only the inquiry to the authorized users by setting
of the access right.
[0162] Namely, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step
SP12 from the step SP11 to execute the user identification process
as in the case of the setting update process of the user
information management database explained above. Subsequently, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP13 to accept input
of items desired for reference. Here, the central processing means
9 requests identification of user information desired for reference
depending on the Gaia code (for example, 01000) of user who desires
reference, Gaia code of a terminal and ID, etc. and makes access to
the corresponding user information management database 13B via this
identification. Moreover, the central processing means 9 accepts
input of reference items such as schedule, transfer destination and
conditions, etc. and makes access to the corresponding items of the
user information management database 13B depending on this
input.
[0163] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP14 to judge whether the user identified in the step SP12 is
the one allowed to make access or not depending on the access right
of the corresponding item. When the negative result is obtained,
the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP15 to transmits
the message indicating that reference is not allowed to the user
terminal which has made access using the voice signal, text data or
image data corresponding to this user terminal and thereafter to
shift to the step SP16 to complete the processing sequence.
[0164] On the other hand, when the access right is set to permit
the reference to this user, the central processing means 9 shifts
to the step SP17 from the step SP14 to notify the preset items with
the voice signal or text data and further to notify, when a user
desires, such items with the image data of the facsimile apparatus
in response to the selecting operation by user and thereafter
shifts to the step SP16.
[0165] Thereby, in the server 1, the users to whom the access right
is set and the identified person are allowed to make reference to
contents of the user information management database.
[0166] (4) Electronic Mail (E-mail)
[0167] In this embodiment, the central processing means 9 executes,
after it is started by calling from the telephone network, the user
identification process to the terminals. Here, when a user is
identified, the central processing means 9 presents the selection
menu and accepts an electronic mail originated from a user when the
user selects origination of the electronic mail.
[0168] In this series of processes, when the computer 4 originates
this electronic mail, the central processing means 9 receives
destination address and contents of electronic mail by mainly
transmitting and receiving the text data to and from the computer
4.
[0169] Namely, the central processing means 9 urges first a user to
select the destination input method through communication with the
communication program in the computer 4. When the user selects
input by the Gaia code, the means 9 subsequently urges the user to
input the destination by the Gaia code. When the user has selected
the ordinary input of the electronic mail address of the internet,
etc., the central processing means 9 urges the input of destination
by the corresponding method in the same manner.
[0170] Upon acceptance of the input of destination, the central
processing means 9 subsequently urges the user to select the
subject line input method. Here, when the user selects input by
text data, the means 9 subsequently urges input of the subject line
consisting of the headline of the electronic mail to accept this
input. Moreover, the central processing means 9 accepts contents of
the electronic mail in the same manner and stores this contents in
the external memory apparatus 13.
[0171] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 makes
communication with the server which is administrating the Gaia
codes of the destination as in the case described in regard to FIG.
8 to obtain the electronic mail address corresponding to this Gaia
code and forms a draft of the electronic mail in the external
memory apparatus 13 depending on this electronic mail address.
Subsequently, the central processing means 9 originates this
electronic mail to the internet 2. When the destination user is the
one administrated by this server 1, the central processing means 9
holds in direct the draft of electronic mail in the external memory
apparatus 13.
[0172] Finally, the central processing means 9 notifies completion
of transmission to the user who has input this electronic mail and
thereafter closes the line to the user by means of the user's
operation. In the transmission of electronic mail from the computer
4 explained above, when a user selects the transmission of
electronic mail by the facsimile apparatus and transmission of mail
by voice, the central processing means 9 accepts the electronic
mail with the same process as the transmission of electronic mail
from the facsimile apparatus 6 and telephone terminal 5 explained
later.
[0173] In this embodiment, the central processing means 9 makes
access to the user information management database 13B in common to
the input of the subject by various input methods to adds, to this
subject, various data as much as possible, for example, header
indicating type of terminal used by access for making access, time
information indicating day and time of access, sex and age of a
user and language used for the electronic mail, etc.
[0174] When a user does not transmit an electronic mail from the
previously registered terminal, the information of this kind is
obtained and added through the line and contact for starting the
communication as in the case of storing the information of this
type into the user information management database 13B. Moreover,
when the information is not yet registered in the user information
management database 13B, the data indicating type of apparatus is
added by the method as explained above and sex, age and language
used are added by user input. When voice input method is used, such
data are judged and added on the basis of the voice recognition
method.
[0175] Thereby, the server 1 assures convenience for retrieval on
the occasion of transmitting the electronic mail.
[0176] (4-1) Transmission of Electronic Mail from Telephone
Terminal
[0177] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation sequence of
user and server 1 for accepting an electronic mail from a telephone
terminal 5. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing communication between
the telephone terminal 5 and server 1. FIG. 23 is a flowchart
showing continuous operations of FIG. 22. In FIG. 22 and FIG. 23,
the processing steps in common to FIG. 21 are indicated by the same
code In this case, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP31 from the step SP30 to wait for the calling. Under this
condition, the user shifts to the step SP33 from the step SP32 to
dial by operating the operator of the telephone terminal 5.
Thereby, the central processing means 9 is activated by the calling
from the telephone terminal.
[0178] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 executes the
user identification process to this terminal and presents the
selection menu, upon completion of user identification. Moreover,
the central processing means 9 accepts an electronic mail issued
from a user, when a user selects origination of electronic mail in
response to this menu. For the access from this telephone terminal,
the central processing means 9 activates the speech synthesis means
11 or recording and reproducing means 12 and presents the selection
menu with the guide by voice. Moreover, in this case, the central
processing means 9 detects the operator of the telephone terminal 5
operated by user in response to the guide by voice with the DTMF
signal detected through the telephone network connecting means 3
and thereby accepts the selected input by user.
[0179] In this series of operations, the central processing means 9
accepts, in the step SP35, the destination input by user in the
step SP34. The destination input and destination acceptance
processes are executed by the processing sequence of FIG. 24.
Namely, the user shifts to the step SP37 from the step SP36 to wait
for the input method request, while the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP39 from the step SP38 to request selection of
input method.
[0180] In the case of input from the telephone terminal 5, the
server 1 is capable of selecting input by the operation of operator
of the telephone terminal or input utilizing the voice recognition
and moreover, in this case, the destination input by the Gaia code
or input of electronic mail address such as an ordinary internet
may be selected. The central processing means 9 activates the
speech synthesis means 11 or recording and reproducing means 12 to
urge selection of input method with the guide by voice and
thereafter the means 9 shifts to the step SP40 to waits for
selection of the input method. Here, a user shifts to the step SP41
from the step SP37 to select the input method by operating, for
example, an operator of the telephone terminal 5 and thereafter
shifts to the step SP42 to wait for destination input request.
[0181] In response to the user, the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP43 from the step SP40 to request, with the
guide by voice, input of destination depending on the input method
selected by user and thereafter shifts to the step SP44 to wait for
input of destination. When the user selects input of destination of
the Gaia code, the central processing means 9 transmits a voice
message urging input of the Gaia code at the time of requesting
input of destination and waits for input of destination.
[0182] Thereby, a user shifts to the stop SP45 from the step SP42
to input the destination with the Gaia code by operating the
operators of numerals "0" to "9" or operators of "*" or "#".
Thereafter, a user shifts to the step SP46 to complete the process
for inputting the destination. In response to this process, the
central processing means 9 accepts the destination and then shifts
to the stop SP47 to complete the destination acceptance
process.
[0183] When input and acceptance of destination is completed as
explained above, a user shifts to the step SP49 (FIG. 21) to input
the subject line, while the central processing means 9 accepts
input of the subject line in the step SP50. The process for
inputting the subject line and accepting the subject line is
executed by the processing sequence shown in FIG. 25.
[0184] Namely, a user shifts to the step SP62 from the step SP51 to
wait for request of the input method, while the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP54 from the step SP53 to request
selection of the input method and thereafter shifts to the step
SP55 to wait for the response. In this case, the central processing
means 9 also urges, with the guide by voice, a user to select the
input method. In this embodiment, input by formatted sentence such
as a telegram or input of free sentence by voice may be
selected.
[0185] Here, upon selection of the input method in the step SP56 in
response to the input method selection request, a user shifts to
the step SP57 to wait for the request for input of subject, while
the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP58 from the
step SP55 to request input of the subject in accordance with the
input method selected by user and thereafter shifts to the step
SP59 to wait for response. When a user selects input of subject by
voice, he responses to the request for input of subject and inputs
a voice message in the step SP60 and finally notifies completion of
input by operating, for example, the operator "#" and thereafter
shifts to the step SP61 to complete the processing sequence.
Meanwhile, the central processing means 9 activates the recording
and reproducing means 12 to record a voice signal input from a user
and shifts to the step SP62 to complete the processing
sequence.
[0186] When input and acceptance of subject are completed, a user
shifts to the step SP64 (FIG. 21) to input contents of an
electronic mail, while the central processing means 9 accepts input
of contents in the step SP65. Input and accepting process of
contents are executed by the processing sequence shown in FIG. 26.
Namely, a user shifts to the step SP67 from the step SP66 to wait
for the request for input of contents, while the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP69 from the step SP68 to request input
of contents with the guide by voice and thereafter shifts to the
step SP70 to wait for response. Here, a user inputs, response to
the input request for contents, a voice message in the step SP71
and notifies completion of input by operating the operator "#" for
example, as in the case of input of subject and then shifts to the
step SP72 to wait for the response.
[0187] Meanwhile, the central processing means 9 drives the
recording and reproducing means 12 to record the voice signal input
from a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP73 to sending a
message notifying that contents have been received. In response to
this process, a user shifts to the step SP 74 from the step SP72 to
complete this processing sequence, while the central processing
means 9 also shifts to the step SP75 from the step SP73 to also
complete this processing sequence.
[0188] Upon completion of input and acceptance of contents, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP76 (FIG. 21) to
convert the input items into the predetermined format to generate
an electronic mail and then send this electronic mail. In this
processing, the central processing means 9 obtains, as explained in
regard to FIG. 8, the electronic mail address corresponding to the
Gaia code through the communication with the server which is
administrating the Gaia code of destination and forms a draft of
the electronic mail in the external memory apparatus 13 based on
this electronic mail address. In regard to the voice recorded in
the recording and reproducing means 12, the central processing
means 9 executes the analog-digital conversion to this voice signal
to obtain the file of ISDN .mu.-law format and thereafter converts
this file into the MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension)
format to assign the voice signals to subject and contents of the
electronic mail based on such format. Upon processing of the voice
signal as explained above, the central processing means 9
originates this electronic mail to the Internet 2. When the
destination user is administrated by the server 1, the central
processing means 9 holds in direct the document of electronic mail
in the external memory apparatus 13.
[0189] Thereby, a user shuts off the line in the step SP78
corresponding to the message indicating reception of contents and
thereafter shifts to the step SP79 to complete this processing
sequence. In the same manner, the central processing means 9 also
shifts to the step SP80 from the step 76 to shut off the line and
thereafter shifts to the step SP81 to complete this processing
sequence.
[0190] Thereby, the server 1 inputs the destination of the Gaia
code in the telephone terminal 5 with the operation of operator
depending on the guide by voice and thereafter inputs the subject
sentence and main sentence of the electronic mail by voice to
originate the electronic mail.
[0191] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of
destination input with the keyword input by voice. FIG. 28 and FIG.
29 are flowcharts showing communication between the telephone
terminal 5 and server 1 when the destination input is selected. In
FIG. 27 to FIG. 29, the processing sequence corresponding to that
of FIG. 21 to FIG. 26 is given the similar codes.
[0192] This processing sequence corresponds to the case where a
user has operated the operator indicating the voice keyword input
depending on the guide by voice for the input method request in the
step SP39 for the selection of the destination input method in the
step SP41 after the user and central processing means 9 have
started this destination input processing sequence in the steps
SP85 and SP86. In this case, the central processing means 9 urges a
user to input the keyword indicating the destination at the time of
requesting the destination in the step SP87 corresponding to the
selection by user and then shifts to the step SP88 to wait for the
response.
[0193] The keyword used here is a term preset in the system and the
destination of electronic mail can uniquely be determined using
this keyword. In this embodiment, an address, user name, handle
name, etc. which are similar to those used in the telephone number
guide, for example, in the public telephone network may be used as
the keyword. A user can select individual keyword by previously
registering it. In response to destination request, a user voices
the keyword indicating the destination in the step SP89 and
thereafter notifies the end of input by operating the operator
"#and shifts to the stop SP90 to wait for repeating of the keyword
in the server 1.
[0194] In response to this process, the central processing means 9
activates operation of the voice recognition means 10 and executes
voice recognition for the voice signal input sequentially and
detects operation of the operator "#" in the step SP91. Thereafter,
the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP92 to activate
the speech synthesis means 11 to execute the speech synthesis for
the recognized contents and output this contents. Moreover, the
central processing means 9 also activates, in the subsequent step
SP93, operations of the speech synthesis means 11 or recording and
reproducing means 12 to urge these means to check whether speech
recognition has been executed normally or not with the guide by
voice.
[0195] In response to this process, a user shifts to the step SP95,
upon judgment that correct voice recognition has been performed, to
operate the operator indicating acknowledgment depending on the
guide by voice and thereafter shifts to the step SP96 to complete
the destination input process. Meanwhile, the central processing
means 9 detects, in the step SP97, the check operation by user and
shifts, when a user has input the destination accurately, to the
step SP98 to complete this processing sequence.
[0196] On the other hand, when it is judged that a user cannot
input destination accurately, a user shifts to the step SP 99 from
the step SP94 to operates the operator indicating that the repeated
destination is not acknowledged and then returns to the step SP42
to input again the destination. Corresponding to this process, the
central processing means 9 returns again to the step SP87, upon
detection of the operation by this user indicating that destination
is not acknowledged in the step SP97, to output again the
destination request.
[0197] Thereby, the server 1 is allowed to also input the
destination by voice and can easily input the destination using the
keyword. Accordingly, the central processing means 9 is capable of
making access to the user information management database 13B using
the keyword input and issuing an inquiry as required to the server
1 to generate an electronic mail address.
[0198] However, it is also considered that correct voice
recognition is impossible even if voice input is repeated as
explained above. This embodiment is therefore structured so that
the input method may be changed in the course of the input
operation depending on the selection by a user. FIG. 30 and FIG. 31
are flowcharts showing the processing sequence when the input
method is changed. FIG. 32 is the flowchart showing the
communication sequence in this process. In FIG. 30 to FIG. 32, the
processes similar to that of the above sequence are designated by
the same codes.
[0199] Namely, in this case, a user and the central processing
means 9 respectively start the destination input process in the
step SP100 and the step SP101 and the central processing means 9
issues the destination input method selection request in the step
SP39. In response to this operation, a user notifies the input
method in the step SP41. When input by the Gaia code is selected
here, a user shifts to the step SP42b from the step SP102 to input
the destination with the Gaia code as in the case described in
regard to FIG. 42 and thereafter shifts to the step SP103 to
complete this processing sequence. In response to this operation,
the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP104 from the
step SP88 to accept this input and then shifts to the step SP106 to
complete this processing sequence.
[0200] Meanwhile, when a user selects the destination input by the
voice keyword, a user shifts to the step SP42a from the step SP102
to input the destination with the processing sequence similar to
that described in regard to FIG. 27. In the same manner, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP91 from the step
SP104 to accept destination input by user with the voice
recognition.
[0201] If it is judged that the voice recognition is not correctly
executed at the time of inputting the destination, a user shifts to
the step SP99 from the step SP94 to operate the corresponding
operator to notify the server 1 and thereafter returns to the step
SP42a. In response to this operation, the central processing means
9 returns to the step SP87 from the step SP97.
[0202] In the course of this process, the central processing means
9 notifies a user, in the step SP105, whether the destination input
method with guide by voice is selected or not under the condition
that a user is waiting for the destination request. A user receives
this notice in the step SP106. When a user desires the repetitive
selection, a user shifts to the step SP107 to operate an operator
to instruct the repetitive selection. Thereby, the central
processing means 9 obtains acknowledgment result in the step SP105
and returns to the step SP39.
[0203] Here, the central processing means 9 newly issues the input
method request. In response to this operation, a user returns to
the step SP41 from the step SP107 to newly select the input method.
If a user does not admit necessity of repetitive selection of input
method, a user shifts to the step SP89 from the step SP106, while
the central processing means 9 shifts, in response to a user, to
the step SP87 from the step SP105 to repeat again the voice
recognition process.
[0204] Thereby, the server 1 inputs, if voice recognition is
difficult, the destination by the key input of the Gaia code to
surely originate an electronic mail from the telephone terminal
5.
[0205] FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence in
which a user selects contents of an electronic mail from the
formatted sentence and the free sentence. FIG. 34 is a flowchart
showing the continuous processing sequence of FIG. 33. FIG. 35 and
FIG. 36 are flowcharts showing the communication sequence when a
user has selected the formatted sentence and free sentence. Namely,
the server 1 can select contents of an electronic mail, in addition
to the subject, in the form of the formatted sentence and free
sentence. In FIG. 33 to FIG. 35, the same processes as that in FIG.
23 and FIG. 26 are given the corresponding codes.
[0206] Namely, a user shifts to the step SP111 from the step SP110
to wait for the input method selection request. While the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP113 from the step SP112 to
output the input method selection request. In this case, the
central processing means 9 activates the speech synthesis means 11
or recording and reproducing means 12 to urge operation of operator
with the guide by voice and thereafter shifts to the step SP114 to
wait for selection of input method. In response to this process, a
user selects the input method in the step SP115. When a user
selects the input by formatted sentence, a user shifts to the step
SP117 (FIG. 34) from the step SP116 to wait for input request of
the sentence example number.
[0207] Meanwhile, the central processing means 9 shifts, in
response to the user's operation, to the step SP119 from the step
SP118 to output the input request for the sentence example number
and thereafter shifts to the step SP120 to wait for the response.
Here, a sentence example is identified depending on a pamphlet
distributed previously to a user. In this embodiment, the formatted
sentence itself corresponding to the sentence example number can be
confirmed through speech synthesis in response to user's
operation.
[0208] In this case, a user shifts to the step SP121 to input the
sentence example number by operating the operator of the telephone
terminal 5 and thereafter shifts to the step SP122, after the check
from the server side, to complete this processing sequence. In
response to this operation, the central processing means 9 waits
for input of the sentence example in the step SP120. Upon reception
of the sentence example number, the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP123, after the check by user, to complete this
processing sequence. Thereby, the server 1 is capable of
transmitting a condolaltory telegram, for example, by an electronic
mail.
[0209] Meanwhile, upon selection of a free sentence, a user shifts
to the step SP67 from the step SP116 to wait for an input request.
Meanwhile, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP69
from the step SP118 to issue an input request by voice input and
shifts to the step SP70 to wait for the response.
[0210] In response to this operation, a user shifts to the step
SP71 from the step SP67 to generate contents of an electronic mail
by generating voices and then shifts to the step SP125 to wait for
repetition of voices. On the other hand, the central processing
means 9 executes the voice recognition process by the voice
recognition means 10 in the step SP126 and executes speech
synthesis for the voice recognition result in the subsequent step
SP127 and then shifts to the step SP128 to wait for response.
[0211] A user shifts, upon judgment that input is made in correct
by the repetition of voices, to the step SP130 from the step SP129
to generate a notice of acknowledgment with operation of operator
and thereafter shifts to the step SP122 to complete this processing
sequence. In response to this process, the central processing means
9 shifts to the step SP 123 from the step SP131, upon reception of
the notice of acknowledgment, to complete this processing
sequence.
[0212] If contents are not recognized correctly by the voice
recognition, a user shifts to the step SP123 from the step SP129 by
operating the operator indicating negative response to the repeated
voices to notify incorrect voice recognition to the server land
then returns to the step SP67. In response to this operation, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP113 from the step
SP131 to newly wait for selection of input method.
[0213] Thereby, in this embodiment, an electronic mail may be
originated by the formatted sentence or free sentence with the
voice input from the telephone terminal 5. Moreover, an electronic
mail may be originated by voices in the same manner with the
telephone terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6 and
the private terminal 15.
[0214] (4-2) Transmission of Electronic Mail from a Facsimile
Apparatus:
[0215] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a part of the electronic mail
transmission sequence from a facsimile apparatus 6. In this
embodiment, the destination and subject are input from a telephone
terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6 as in the case
of the transmission of electronic mail from a telephone terminal 5
explained above. With execution of this processing sequence, an
image data of the facsimile apparatus is assigned to contents of an
electronic mail.
[0216] Namely, a user shifts, upon completion of input of
destination and subject, to the step SP141 from the step SP140 to
wait for input request for contents via the telephone terminal
incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6. Meanwhile, the central
processing means 9 shifts, upon completion of input of destination
and subject, to the step SP143 from the step SP142 to output the
input request of contents with guide by voice and then shifts to
the step SP144 to wait for response.
[0217] In response to this operation, a user operates the
transmission button of the facsimile apparatus in the step SP145 to
transmit an image of document and thereafter shifts to the step
SP146 to complete this processing sequence. Corresponding to this
operation, the central processing means 9 inputs the image data of
document from the waiting condition and thereafter shifts to the
step SP147 to complete this processing sequence. Thereby, the
central processing means 9 assigns this image data to the contents
of an electronic mail and also checks the electronic mail address.
Thereafter, the central processing means 9 originates the
electronic mail to the Internet 2 or stores it in the external
memory apparatus 13.
[0218] Thereby, in this embodiment, a facsimile apparatus 6 is also
capable of transmitting an electronic mail.
[0219] Moreover, in this embodiment, the central processing means 9
is also capable of inputting a destination of electronic mail with
an image data by character recognition of the image data inputted
as explained above through user's selecting operation, thereby
improving operation flexibility for a user.
[0220] (4-3) Services by MAM Server
[0221] An electronic mail transmitted to the corresponding server
as explained above is held in the external memory apparatus 13 of
each server. In this case, the MAM server held by each server
executes the processing sequence shown in FIG. 38 and thereby
various kinds of services may be offered depending on the contents
registered in the user information management database 13B.
[0222] Namely, in the MAM server, the central processing means 9
shifts, upon distribution of an electronic mail, to the step SP151
from the step SP150 to make access to the user information
management database of the corresponding user depending on the
address of electronic mail. Subsequently, the central processing
means 9 judges whether an effective link destination is specified
or not for each corresponding user. When negative result is
obtained, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP152.
Here, the effective link destination means the link destination
satisfying the conditions in the non-terminal data of the user
information management database.
[0223] When the effective link destination is specified, the
central processing means 9 changes the destination of an electronic
mail to this link destination. Thereby, for example, an electronic
mail can be originated with the Gaia code for specifying a group.
In this case, when a plurality of transfer destinations are
specified to this Gaia code, so-called multi-address calling can be
realized to improve the processing flexibility of electronic mails
of this kind. Moreover, when the Gaia code identifying the region
is indicated by the link, the multi-address calling can be made to
the users in the specified region. Moreover, it is also possible to
distribute an electronic mail to a hand-held telephone set at the
distant area by transferring an electronic mail corresponding to
the schedule and moreover, distribution of the electronic mail can
be notified to a conference room only from a particular partner
during the conference. In addition, the electronic mails
distributed to the home telephone, office telephone and hand-held
telephone and moreover the electronic mails originated to the mail
addresses of each network from various networks may also be read at
a time.
[0224] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts, upon
obtaining the negative result by checking designation of the
operating conditions in the step SP152, to the step SP154 to record
the is electronic mail into the external memory apparatus 13 and
thereafter shifts to the step SP156 to complete the processing
sequence.
[0225] On the other hand, when the operating conditions are
registered, the central processing means 9 shifts, upon reception
of the positive result in the step SP152, to the step SP155 to
execute the specified operation for the transfer operation. Namely,
when it is registered as the operating condition that the contents
of the main sentence formed by the text data is converted to the
image data corresponding to the facsimile apparatus, the central
processing means 9 executes this data conversion process and then
shifts to the step SP154 to record the electronic mail depending on
the converted image data into the external memory apparatus 13.
[0226] Meanwhile, when it is registered that the ringing signal is
once transmitted, the central processing means 9 executes this
registered contents and thereafter shifts to the step SP154. When
it is registered that the image data of facsimile apparatus is
converted to the text data, the central processing means 9 converts
this image data into the text data after the character recognition
by the character recognition means 14 to store the electronic mail
as the text data. Moreover, when it is registered that an address
is registered as the transfer destination and it is output via the
printer 17, the electronic mail and address are output to the
printer so that the electronic mail can be originated by mail.
[0227] Even if the operating conditions are not specified different
from above explanation, when the data format of the electronic mail
is not applied to the terminal of the transmission destination,
that is, when a facsimile apparatus is specified, for example, as
the transmission destination or transfer destination in the user
information management database 13B and content of the electronic
mail is image data such as JPEG, the central processing means 9
executes the data conversion process depending on the previous
registration of the transmission destination user and thereby can
improve application flexibility for user.
[0228] (4-4) Output of Electronic Mail
[0229] An electronic mail held by the server as explained above is
then output by an access from an user. In this case, the server 1
outputs in direct, for the access from the computer 4, the text
data and voice data, image data of ISDN .mu.-law format, etc. held
in the external memory apparatus as in the case of the ordinary
network. In the same manner, the server 1 provides the similar
output for the access from the private terminal 15. Thereby, the
private terminal 15 is capable of displaying contents of the text
data and image data on the liquid crystal display panel and
checking contents of the voice data through a handset.
[0230] In this case, the server 1 outputs the voice data with the
voice signal, the text data with speech synthesis and the image
data with the text data after character recognition depending on
designation by user. In the same manner, in the case of access from
a facsimile apparatus, the text data is output after it is
converted to the image data corresponding to the facsimile
apparatus. Thereby, the server 1 can improve the flexibility of
operation.
[0231] For the access from a telephone terminal 1, the server 1
executes the electronic mail retrieval service and reading service
by voice. For the access from a telephone terminal incorporated to
the facsimile apparatus 6 and private terminal 15, such reading
service is also offered depending on selection by user.
[0232] FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of
the user identification executed by the central processing means 9
when an electronic mail is output by access from a telephone
terminal 5. In this user identification, the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP161 from the step SP160 depending on
the telephone call from a user to check the access from the user
and thereafter shifts to the step SP162.
[0233] In this step, the central processing means 9 activates the
speech synthesis means 11 or recording and reproducing means 12 to
urge input of name with the guide by voice. In this step, a message
"Your name, Please!" is output. Subsequently, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP163 to obtain the voice
generated by a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP164 to
execute voice recognition in the voice recognition means 10.
Thereafter, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP165
to obtain the result of comparison with the voice recognition
information registered previously in the user information
management database 13B. When the positive result is obtained, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP166, upon
identification as the correct user.
[0234] Here, the central processing means 9 activates the speech
synthesis means 11 and reports the result of comparison to a user.
Here, result is reported to a user with the message "You are
identified". Thereby, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP167 to start the service desired by a user and thereafter
shifts to the step SP168 to complete this processing sequence.
[0235] On the other hand, if voice recognition result does not
match the registered voice recognition information, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP169 to judge whether the
mismatching result of the current access is less than the preset
specified number of times or not. When the positive result is
obtained, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP162
to urge a user to input again the voice. Thereby, the means 9
repeats the processing sequence of the step
SP162-SP163-SP164-SP165-SP169-SP162 until the correct user can be
identified within the range of the specified number of times. If
matching cannot be obtained even after the comparison is repeated
until the specified number of times, the central processing means 9
judges that a user is not the correct user and shifts to the step
SP170 from the step SP169. Here, the central processing means 9
reports the result of comparison and shifts to the step SP168 to
complete this processing sequence. Here, the comparison result is
reported to a user with the message "Access is impossible".
[0236] Thereby, the server 1 can improve security by utilizing the
voice recognition. The central processing means 9 executes user
identification by the voice recognition, for a user whose voice
recognition information is not yet registered, with reference to
sex and age of user registered in the user information management
database in addition to the password number and ID input and
registers this voice recognition result as the voice recognition
information to improve security effect.
[0237] Upon completion of user identification, the central
processing means 9 executes the guide by voice to wait for an
instruction from a user by operation of the operator of the
telephone terminal 5. Here, when a user inquires the number of
electronic mails not yet read by operating the predetermined
operator, the central processing means 9 executes the processing
sequence of FIG. 40.
[0238] Namely, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step
SP176 from the step SP175 to obtain an instruction from a user and
thereafter shifts to the step SP177 to retrieve the number of
electronic mails not yet read. Thereafter, the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP178 to activate the speech synthesis
means 11 or recording and reproducing means 12 to report the
electronic mails not yet read from the speech synthesis means 11 or
recording and reproducing means 12. Thereafter, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP179 to complete this
processing sequence. Thereby, the server 1 is capable of checking
the number of electronic mails not yet read even with the telephone
terminal.
[0239] In the case of offering the service as explained above, when
a user operates the predetermined operator, the central processing
means 9 executes the processing sequence shown in FIG. 41 to notify
by voice the current available services. Namely, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP181 from the step SP180 to
obtain an instruction from a user and thereafter shifts to the step
SP182. Here, the central processing means 9 interrupts the service
being offered and shifts to the step SP183 to detect the kinds of
services which can be presented to user.
[0240] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP184 to activate the speech synthesis means 11 or recording
and reproducing means 12 in order to notify by voice the services
which may be presented in current. Here, the message "The functions
which may be presented now are retrieval of electronic mail
conditions, report of number of electronic mails retrieved, reading
of subject of retrieval result, reading of main sentence of
retrieval result, reading of electronic mails and end of this
service." is sent to a user. Thereby, a user who immediately wants
to complete the services may complete the electronic mail service
by notifying the completion of service depending on the guide.
Thereby, the central processing means 9 sends a notice to a user as
explained above and shifts to the step SP185 to complete this
processing sequence.
[0241] When a user instructs, in response to this notice, the
retrieval of electronic mail conditions by operating the operator,
the central processing means 9 executes the processing sequence of
FIG. 42. Namely, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step
SP191 from the step SP190 to urge a user to input byvoice the
retrieval condition. This retrieval condition is previously
instructed with the guide by voice to be selected from the
predetermined keywords and thereafter shifts to the step SP193 to
accept this retrieval condition by recognizing the voice of user
through voice recognition in the voice recognition means 10.
[0242] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP194 to retrieve the electronic mails not yet read stored in
the external memory apparatus 13 in view of counting the number of
electronic mails arrived today, when a user inputs, for example,
the keyword "Today". Subsequently, the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP195 to activate the speech synthesis means 11
or recording and reproducing means 12 to report by voice the
retrieval report and thereafter shifts to the step SP196 to
complete this processing sequence.
[0243] After the electronic mails are retrieved as explained above,
when a user instructs reading of the electronic mails, the server 1
reads the electronic mails retrieved by speech synthesis. Some
electronic mails are not always required to be immediately checked
by contents. Moreover, a certain period of time is required to read
by voice the electronic mails.
[0244] FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of
the central processing means 9 for retrieving, depending on the
instruction of a user, the number of electronic mails which are
considered important by a user. Namely, in the case of the
electronic mails having the contents to be notified immediately to
a destination user, the content tends to be shortened. The
electronic mail having a longer content requires a longer time for
reading and has a demerit that content cannot be understood easily
depending on the quality of voice.
[0245] Therefore, the central processing means 9 shifts, when a
user selects this service, to the step SP201 from the step SP200 to
obtain an instruction from a user. Moreover, the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP202 to retrieve the number of
electronic mails not yet read. The central processing means 9
shift, thereafter, to the step SP203 to reset the counter value i
to zero (0) and then shifts to the step SP204.
[0246] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is smaller or not than the number of mails detected
in the step SP202. When the positive result is obtained, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP205 to count the
number of characters of the main sentence of the electronic mails
not yet read corresponding to the counter value i.
[0247] In this embodiment, retrieval of electronic mails depending
on the length is executed depending on selection by a user even
when contents have the other data. In this case, when the
electronic mails are formed of image data and a user requests the
mail reading service, the server 1 executes the character
recognition process and thereafter outputs the data after the
speech synthesis in order to judge a rough number of characters
from the amount of data in place of the accurate number of
characters. Moreover, when the voice data is used and a user
requests this mail reading service, the server 1 drives in direct
the sound source to output the voice data to judge, also in this
case, a rough number of characters depending on the amount of voice
data.
[0248] Upon detection of the number of characters as explained
above, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP206 to
judge whether the number of characters is less than the preset
specified number or not. If negative result is obtained, it shifts
to the step SP207 to remove this electronic mail from the candidate
to be notified to a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP208.
On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in the step
SP206, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP209 to
register this mail as the candidate to be notified to a user and
thereafter shifts to the step SP208.
[0249] In the step SP208, the central processing means 9 increments
the counter value i and thereafter returns to the step SP204.
Thereby, the central processing means 9 repeats, for all electronic
mails not yet read destined to a user, the processing sequence of
the steps SP204-SP205-SP206-SP207-SP208-SP204 or the steps
SP204-SP205-SP206-SP209-- SP208-SP204 to detect the electronic
mails in the number of characters less than the specified number.
Moreover, for all electronic mails not yet read destined to a user,
the central processing means 9 executes this series of processing
sequence. Thereby, when a negative result is obtained in the step
SP204, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP210 to
report by voice the number of mails detected here and thereafter
shifts to the step SP211 to complete this processing sequence.
[0250] Meanwhile, FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the processing
sequence of the central processing means 9 for detecting the
electronic mails closely related to a user depending on selection
by user. Here, the central processing unit 9 shifts to the step
SP221 from the step SP220 to obtain an instruction from a user and
then shifts to the step SP222 to retrieve the number of electronic
mails not yet read. Thereafter the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP223 to set the counter value i to zero (0) and
then shifts to the step SP224.
[0251] In this step, the central processing means 9 judges whether
the counter value i is less than the number of mails detected in
the step SP222 or not. If a negative result is obtained, the means
9 shifts to the step SP225 to extract the subject and originator
information of the electronic mails not yet read corresponding to
the counter value i.
[0252] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP226 to retrieve history of electronic mails in the past
stored in the record as many as the number of mails. Thereafter,
the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP227 to set the
counter value j to zero and then shifts to the step SP228. Here,
the means 9 judges whether the counter value j is less than the
number of historical mails in the past retrieved in the step SP225
or not. When a positive result is obtained, the means 9 shifts to
the step SP229.
[0253] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether
destinations of the electronic mails in the past identified by the
variable j matches the originators of the electronic mails not yet
read identified by the variable i or not. When a negative result is
obtained, the means 9 shifts to the step SP230 to increment the
counter value j and returns to the step SP228. Thereby, the central
processing means 9 repeats, for the electronic mails not yet read
identified by the variable i, the processing sequence of the step
SP228-SP229-SP230-SP228 to judge whether the mails not yet read
identified by the variable i are originated by the same originator
who have issued the predetermined number of mails in the past or
not.
[0254] Here, if the electronic mails are not issued by the same
originator who has issued the mails in the past, the positive
result cannot be obtained even after this processing sequence is
repeated for the predetermined number of times equal to the number
of mails. After all, the central processing means 9 obtains the
negative result in the step SP228. Thereby, the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP232 to increment the counter value i
and thereafter shifts to the step SP224 to repeat the same process
for the next electronic mail not yet read.
[0255] Meanwhile, this electronic mail has been issued from the
same originator of the mails received in the past, the central
processing means 9 obtains the positive result in the step SP229
and then shifts to the step SP231. Here, the central processing
means 9 judges whether the subjects of the electronic mails in the
past identified by the variable j matches the subjects of the mails
not yet read identified by the variable i or whether the characters
"Re:" or "RE:" are attached at the beginning of the subjects of the
electronic mails not yet read identified by the variable i. Namely,
it is accustomed for the electronic mails that a response mail
regarding the related item in the past must be returned with the
same subject or the characters "Re:" or "RE:" must be added at the
beginning of the response mail.
[0256] Therefore, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
electronic mail not yet read identified by the variable i is
related to the mail in the past identified by the variable j. When
a negative result is obtained, the means 9 shifts to the step
SP230. Onthe other hand, when a positive result is obtained in the
step SP231, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP233
to set the mail not yet read identified by the variable i as the
candidate mail to be presented to a user and thereafter shifts to
the step SP232.
[0257] Thereby, the central processing means 9 judges, for all
electronic mails detected in the step SP222, judges whether these
are closely related with a user or not and shifts, upon completion
of this series of process to all electronic mails, to the step
SP235, because a negative result is obtained in the step SP224, to
report by voice the number of mails detected to a user and
thereafter shifts to the step SP236 to complete this processing
sequence.
[0258] In this embodiment, in place of retrieval of mails depending
on characters included in the subject line, the mail retrieval may
also be executed depending on type of terminal, sex and age of
originator and language used added to the subject of the mail.
Therefore, the server 1 can improve the efficiency of retrieval by
using such information added at the time of transmission of
mail.
[0259] FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of the
central processing means 9 for detecting an electronic mail which
is judged by an originator to be notified urgently depending on
selection by a user. Here, the central processing means 9 shifts to
the step SP241 from the step SP240 to obtain an instruction from a
user and thereafter shifts to the step SP242 to retrieve the number
of mails not yet read. Subsequently, the means 9 shifts to the step
SP243 to set the counter value i to zero and then shifts to the
step SP244.
[0260] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is less than the number of mails detected in the
step SP242 or not and shifts, upon obtaining a positive result, to
the step SP245 to judge whether a term "urgent" is included or not
in the main sentence of the electronic mail not yet read
corresponding to the counter value i. When a positive result is
obtained, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP247
to set the mail identified by the variable i as the candidate mail
to be presented to a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP248.
If, on the other hand, a term "urgent" is not included in the main
sentence, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP249,
because a negative result is obtained in the step SP246, to remove
the electronic mail not yet read identified by the variable i from
the candidate mails to be presented to a user and thereafter shifts
to the step SP248.
[0261] In the step SP248, the central processing means 9 increments
the counter value i and thereafter returns to the step SP244 to
repeat the similar process to the next electronic mail no yet read.
Thereby, the central processing means 9 judges whether the all
mails detected in the step SP242 include the term "urgent" or not.
Upon completion of this series of process to all electronic mails,
the means 9 shifts to the step SP250, because a negative result is
obtained in the step SP244, to report by voice the number of mails
detected to a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP251 to
complete this processing sequence.
[0262] FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of
the central processing means 9 for retrieving the electronic mails
with reference to the term previously registered by a user
depending on selection by a user. In the central processing means
9, individual keywords of a user can be registered for each kind to
the user information management database through voice recognition
and access from a computer 4. As the keyword for retrieval of this
kind, the terms which are considered to be necessary in common to
the other users are held in each kind in the external memory
apparatus 13.
[0263] In this embodiment, a user is recommended, by preceding
registration, to assign "No. 1" to an urgent kind of mail and also
assign the keywords "urgent, emergency, quick" to this kind of mail
and to assign "No.2" to a business mail and also assign the
keywords "business, job, work" to this kind of mail. Moreover, a
user is recommended to assign "No.3" to a personal mail and also
assign the keyword of a personal name, for example, "Tanaka" to
this kind of mail. In regard to the term considered to be necessary
in common to other users, a plurality of keywords are assigned to
each kind of mail.
[0264] In this processing sequence, the central processing means 9
shits to the step SP271 from the step SP270 to obtain an
instruction from a user and thereafter shifts to the stop SP272 to
urge a user to input a keyword and thereafter shifts to the step
SP273 to accept an instruction from a user. Here, the central
processing means 9 accepts an instruction to retrieve the
electronic mails with any keyword of the term considered to be
necessary in common to users, the term individually registered by a
user or the term input by a user through the voice recognition and
sequentially accepts the corresponding kind.
[0265] When a user has selected a term registered individually, the
central processing means 9 accepts the kind which a user desires
with the guide by voice and sets the term of this kind as the
keyword. When a term considered to be necessary in common to users
is also selected, the central processing means 9 also accepts the
kind which a user desires with the guide by voice and sets the term
of this kind as the keyword. Meanwhile, when a user has input a
term by voice recognition, the means 9 retrieves a synonym
dictionary stored in the external memory apparatus 13 and sets the
terms including synonyms as the keyword based on the result of
retrieval.
[0266] When the keywords are set as explained above, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP274 to retrieve the number
of electronic mails not yet read. Subsequently, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP275 to set the counter
value i to zero and thereafter shifts to the step SP276.
[0267] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is less than the number of mails detected in the
step SP274 or not. When a positive result is obtained, the means 9
shifts to the step SP277. The central processing means 9 sets the
counter value j to zero and thereafter shifts to the step SP278 to
judge whether the counter value j is smaller than the total number
of keywords or not. When a positive result is obtained, the means 9
shifts to the step SP279 and retrieves the keyword identified by
the counter value j from the main sentence of the electronic mail
not yet read corresponding to the counter value i and then shifts
to the step SP280.
[0268] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
keyword identified by the counter value j exists in the main
sentence of the electronic mail not yet read corresponding to the
counter value i or not. When a negative result is obtained, the
means 9 shifts to the step SP281 to increment the counter value j
and then returns to the step SP278. Thereby, the central processing
means 9 repeats, for each keyword, the processing sequence of step
SP278-SP279-SP280-SP281-SP278 in regard to the electronic mail not
yet read corresponding to the counter value i to judge whether this
keyword is included in the main sentence of the electronic mail
identified by the value i or not.
[0269] In this case, when any keyword is not included in the main
sentence of the mail identified by the value i, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP282 from the step SP278 to
increment the counter value i because it obtains a negative result
in the step SP278 by repeating this processing sequence for the
number of times equal to the number of keywords and thereafter
shifts to the step SP276. Thereby, the central processing means 9
changes the retrieval object of keyword to the next electronic mail
not yet read.
[0270] Meanwhile, when any keyword is included in the main sentence
of the electronic mail identified by the value i, a positive result
can be obtained in the step SP280 while a series of processing
sequence is repeated. In this case, the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP283. Here, the means 9 sets the electronic
mail identified by the counter value i to the candidate mails to be
reported to a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP282 to
increment the value i and returns to the step SP276.
[0271] Thereby, the central processing means 9 repeats this
processing sequence for the electronic mail not yet read identified
by the variable i and shifts to the step SP284 to report by voice
the number of mails detected to a user, because a negative result
is obtained in the step SP276 upon completion of this processing
sequence to the electronic mail not yet read detected in the step
SP274 and thereafter shifts to the step SP285 to complete this
processing sequence.
[0272] When a user operates the predetermined operator after the
number of electronic mails is reported to a user, the central
processing means 9 subsequently executes the processing sequence
shown in FIG. 47.
[0273] Here, FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence
when a user has instructed reading of the subject. The central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP291 from the step SP290 to
obtain an instruction from a user and then shifts to the step SP292
to set the counter value i to zero and thereafter shifts to the
step SP293.
[0274] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is smaller than the number of electronic mails
detected in the process before this reading process. When a
positive result is obtained, the means 9 shifts to the step SP294
to extract the subject from the mail not yet read identified by the
variable i. Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts to
the step SP295 to convert the extracted subject into a voice signal
through the speech synthesis in the speech synthesis means 11 and
outputs this voice signal to a user in the step SP296. Thereafter,
the means 9 shifts to the step SP297 to increment the value i and
returns to the step SP293.
[0275] Therefore, the central processing means 9 sequentially
repeats this processing sequence for the electronic mail not yet
read detected by the various retrieval processes explained above to
notify by voice the subject sequentially. Thereafter, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP298 to complete this
processing sequence because a negative result is obtained in the
step SP293 when this processing sequence is completed for all
detected mails not yet read.
[0276] FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the reading process of
subject by the central processing means 9 when English terms are
included in the subject. In this case, the central processing means
9 shifts to the step SP301 from the step SP300 to obtain an
instruction from a user and thereafter shifts to the step SP302 to
set the counter value i to zero and then shifts to the step
SP303.
[0277] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is smaller than the number of mails detected in the
process before this reading process and shifts, upon obtaining a
positive result, to the step SP304 to extract the subject from the
electronic mail not yet read identified by the variable i. In
succession, the means 9 shifts to the step SP305 to judge whether
this subject is formed of only alphabets or not from each character
code forming the subject. When a positive result is obtained, the
means 9 shifts to the step SP306 to read, by the recording and
reproducing means 12 or speech synthesis means 11, the alphabets of
the extracted subject character by character. Namely, when the
subject is formed by the character string of "INFO.", the central
processing means 9 reads "I, N, F, O, Period". Therefore, the
server 1 is capable of reading the subject through the simplified
speech synthesis. Subsequently, the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP307 to increment the value i and then returns
to the step SP303.
[0278] When a negative result is obtained in the step SP305, the
central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP308 to read the
subject with the other method. Namely, when this server 1 is
installed in Japan, the subject formed of only Japanese, subject
formed by combination of Japanese terms and English terms and
subject formed by the relevant language when an originator address
is in the zone other than the English zone may be considered.
Therefore, the central processing means 9 reads the subject through
the speech synthesis as in the case explained in regard to FIG. 47
when the subject is formed of the Japanese terms. In other cases,
the means 9 reads the subject in the relevant language in
accordance with the kind of language added to the subject,
depending on selection by user.
[0279] Therefore, the central processing means 9 increments the
value i in the step SP307 and returns to the step SP303. Thereby,
the means 9 repeats this processing sequence, for the electronic
mail not yet read detected by the various retrieving processes
explained above, to notify by voice the subject to a user and
thereafter shifts to the step SP309 to complete this processing
sequence because a negative result is obtained in the step SP303
when this processing sequence is completed for all detected
electronic mails not yet read.
[0280] FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of
the central processing means 9 when a user has previously set the
language identification mode. In this embodiment, this mode may be
set by the preceding registration.
[0281] Namely, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step
SP311 from the step SP310 to obtain an instruction from a user and
then shifts to the step SP312 to set the counter value i to zero
and shifts to the step SP313.
[0282] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is smaller than the number of electronic mails
detected in the process before this reading process or not and
shifts to the step SP314 upon obtaining a positive result to
extract the subject from the mail not yet read identified by the
variable i. Thereafter, the central processing means 9 shifts to
the step SP315 to judge the language for the reading for each part
of the subject from the character code forming the subject. (An
example of judgment is necessary.) Thereafter, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP316 to executes the speech
synthesis for the subject depending on the result of judgment and
then shifts to the step SP317 to connect the voices synthesized by
languages to send the voice to a user in the step SP318. Thereby,
the central processing means 9 reads the subject, for example,
"PATENT " in such a manner that "PATENT" is read by the synthesized
voice in English and "" is read by the synthesized voice in
Japanese.
[0283] Thereby, the central processing means 9 reads the subject in
the language considered adequate by the language recognition
function of the server 1 and thereafter increments the counter
value i in the step SP319 and then returns to the step SP319.
Moreover, the central processing means 9 shifts, upon completion of
this series of processing sequence for the electronic mail not yet
read detected by various retrieving processes explained above, to
the step SP320 from the step SP313 to complete this processing
sequence.
[0284] On the occasion of reading the subject, the central
processing means 9 is caused for the subject formed of the
predetermined number or more number of characters to read only the
predetermined number of characters from the beginning for the
convenience of a user. Moreover, depending on registration of
setting by a user, speech synthesis is switched to generated, for
example, the voice of male or female for each mail to be read.
Thereby, the end of electronic male can be naturally
recognized.
[0285] FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence
executed wen a user instructs reading of the electronic mail by
operating the operator after the above retrieval processing or
reading of the subject. In this processing sequence, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP322 from the step SP321 to
obtain an instruction from a user and then shifts to the step SP323
to set the counter value i to zero and then shifts to the step
SP324.
[0286] Here, the central processing means 9 judges whether the
counter value i is smaller than the number of mails detected in the
process before the mail reading process and shifts, upon obtaining
a positive result, to the step SP325 to extract the main sentence
of the mail not yet read identified by the variable i. Here, the
central processing means 9 extracts only the predetermined number
of characters from the beginning of the main sentence and shifts to
the step SP326 to execute the speech synthesis of the extracted
part and thereafter shifts to the step SP327 to output the
synthesized voice to a user.
[0287] Thereby, the central processing means 9 reads the
predetermined number of characters of the contents of the main
sentence and thereafter increments the counter value i in the step
SP328 and then returns to the step SP324. At the time of reading
the main sentence through the speech synthesis, the central
processing means 9 changes the reading voice, for example, from the
voice of male or from the voice of female to the voice of male or
female for the part enclosed in the signs " ", [ ] and ( )in order
to accurately notify the contents emphasized in the main sentence
by an originator. Moreover, since the predetermined number of
characters from the beginning is read and thereafter the number of
characters read is reported by voice for the total number of
characters of the main sentence, operation flexibility of user may
be improved.
[0288] When a user operates, while the mail is being read, the
operator assigned to a skip, mail reading is once interrupted and
the subsequent electronic mail is read in the step SP328. On the
contrary, when a user operates the operator for continuously
reading the mail, the main sentence following the number of
characters extracted in the step SP325 is extracted and then output
through the speech synthesis. Moreover, when a user operates the
operator assigned for specifying the reading speed, the reading
speed is changed in response to operation of the operator. Reading
is executed word by word depending on the punctuation marks so that
a user can easily recognize the contents of mail.
[0289] In the case of the retrieving by keyword, the background
music corresponding to the keyword and kind used for this retrieval
is played to reducing the waiting time of a user at the time of
reading the main sentence. Also, in the case of reading this main
sentence, voice can be changed for each electronic mail depending
on the preceding registration and moreover, the language
recognition function, etc. may also be used. In addition, it is
possible to execute the setting so that speech synthesis is not
effectuated to the idiomatic phrases at the beginning and end of
the sentence used in the electronic mail of this kind, department
name, telephone number, facsimile apparatus number and electronic
mail number, etc. Thereby, flexibility of use can be very much
improved.
[0290] Moreover, the central processing means 9 is capable of
effectively using the information added to the subject line to
execute the speech synthesis, depending on the preceding setting by
a user, by voice of female for the mail received from a female user
or by voice of male for the mail received from a male user and
moreover executes the speech synthesis with the level of voice
depending on age. In this case, the language used for speech
synthesis depends on the language added to the subject.
[0291] The server 1 separately registers the electronic mail thus
retrieved by combining such electronic mail reading process and the
services by the MAM server explained previously and thereafter
outputs the mails by transferring to the facsimile apparatus 6 and
computer 4, etc.
[0292] (5) World Wide Web
[0293] In this embodiment, when a user requests the World Wide Web
service with the Gaia code or by designation of address in an
ordinary Internet, the central processing means 9 navigates this
network to offer the service requested by a user. In this case,
when a user has made an access from the computer 4, the central
processing means 9 offers the service requested by a user in the
same manner as the server in the ordinary server.
[0294] In addition, the server 1 also holds the information formed
of the organically inter-related hyper-media to offer the World
Wide Web service also from the telephone terminal 5, facsimile
apparatus 6 and private terminal 15 and also offer such information
in various formats.
[0295] Therefore, the server 1 holds, in the external memory
apparatus, the hyper-media sources shown in FIG. 51 and FIG. 52.
Here, this source is described in the format that various codes are
increased for the HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format, namely
in the format realized by expanding the HTML format. Therefore, the
server 1 transfers the source code held therein as required through
the Internet.
[0296] Namely, in FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, "<HEAD>" indicating
initiation is described first and thereafter the text data
indicating this server is described between "<TITLE>" and
"</TITLE>" indicating start and end of the title. Moreover,
being enclosed by tags, "VOICELANGUAGE=JAPANESE" indicating the
process by Japanese language is described, thereafter "SYNTH="
instructing speech synthesis of the object is described, followed
by description of "Welcome to the .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. server" indicating the object of speech synthesis and
"LEVEL=0" indicating the level of speech synthesis. Thereby, the
part "Welcome to the .largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
server" can be recognized as the object of speech synthesis from
the description.
[0297] Subsequently, after "</TITLE>" is described, "VOICE
BGM=" indicating reproduction of the background music is described,
"DRM#122" indicating the title of music is then enclosed by tags.
With the description explained above, the music enclosed by the
sign " " is reproduced as the background music during the period of
waiting for user's operation.
[0298] Moreover, "<VOICE PAUSE=1> for providing a pause as
long as the specified numeral in the speech synthesis output is
described, followed by description of "<AHREF="/Welcome
English.html"> English Page" of the text setting the link
destination and anchor corresponding to this link destination.
Thereafter, "VOICE LANGUAGE=English SYNTH=" indicating the speech
synthesis by English is also described with the description of
"English Page" indicating contents of speech synthesis and
"LEVEL=0" indicating the level of speech synthesis. Thereby, the
part "English Page" may be easily recognized as the object of
speech synthesis.
[0299] Subsequently, after "RECOG" instructing voice recognition is
described with the description for specifying the process by
English with description of "English Page" indicating the language
to be recognized. Thereafter, it is also described for voice
recognition of "" by Japanese. Thereby, in this source, navigation
to Welcome_English.html as the link destination is possible with
the voicing of "English Page" or "" and with designation of
"English Page" formed of the text.
[0300] In this embodiment, following this description, the source
code displayed after "English Page" is described, and therefter
contents are also described. Subsequently, the source code
indicating the speech synthesis following "English Page" is
described together with contents of speech synthesis to designate
the period of pause of speech synthesis.
[0301] Thereafter, in the case of this source (FIG. 52), the source
code indicating display by text is described with the contents
thereof "Item Guide" and subsequently speech synthesis by Japanese
of "Guidance for Item" is described. Moreover, the pause of speech
synthesis is designated and thereafter text "Car-Navi" is described
with designation of link destination and speech synthesis and voice
recognition by Japanese of "Car-Navi" are described. Thereafter,
text "Headphone" is described with designation of the link
destination and speech synthesis and voice recognition by Japanese
of "Headphone" are described in the same manner as the description
of "Employment Information".
[0302] Thereby, in this embodiment, reading by voice of home page
from a telephone terminal can be made and in this case, various
pieces of information may be offered like an ordinary home page for
the access from a computer.
[0303] Namely, FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing access to the home
page by an ordinary WWW browser. In this case, the browser shifts
to the step SP341 from the step SP340 to read the source and then
shifts to the step SP342 to interpret each line. Subsequently, the
browser shifts to the step SP343 to judge whether the command may
be interpretd or not and shifts, upon obtaining a positive result,
to the step SP344. Here, the browser displays contents in
accordance with the command and shifts to the step SP345 but shifts
in direct, upon obtaining a negative result, to the step SP345.
[0304] In this step SP345, the browser judges whether the line is
the final line or not and returns, upon obtaining a positive
result, to the step SP342. But when a negative result is obtained,
the browser shifts to the step SP346 to complete this processing
sequence. Thereby, in the browser of this type which cannot
recognize by voice the source code as explained with reference to
FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, the contents where the source code is added by
voice is omitted from the display and the contents shown in FIG. 54
is displayed. The underlined part indicates the linked area.
[0305] (5-1) Access by Telephone Terminal
[0306] FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of the
private central processing means 9 holding the browser to interpret
this source. When the server 1 is accessed from a telephone
terminal or a telephone terminal incorporated to the facsimile
apparatus 6 and when a user has selected the service by voice by
making access to the server 1 from a private terminal 15, the
central processing means 9 executes this processing sequence.
[0307] Namely, the browser shifts to the step SP351 from the step
SP350 to read the source. Thereafter, the browser shifts to the
step SP352 to interpret each line and thereafter judges, in the
step SP353, whether the command of voice processing exists or not
in the line interpreted in the step SP353. When a negative result
is obtained, the browser shifts to the step SP354 to judge whether
the line is the final line or not and thereafter returns, upon
obtaining a negative result in the step SP354, to the step
SP352.
[0308] Meanwhile, when the voice processing command is included,
since a positive result is obtained in the step SP353, the browser
shifts to the step SP355. Here, the browser starts flat setting
process depending on the option set in the interpreted voice
processing command. Namely, the browser interprets the language in
the subsequent step SP256. If the language is not preset, voice
processing is executed by the language used in current. When the
language is preset, the browser sets the corresponding language to
the language of processing object in the step SP357.
[0309] In the subsequent step SP358, the browser judges the level.
If the level is not preset, voice processing is performed in the
current level. When the level setting is performed, the browser
sets the processing object level to the corresponding level in the
step SP359.
[0310] Moreover, the browser judges whether voice recognition
process is specified or not in the step SP360. If it is not preset,
the voice processing is performed in the same manner. When the
voice recognition is preset, terms for voice recognition are added
in the step SP361.
[0311] The browser judges, in the step SP362, whether speech
synthesis process is specified or not. If it is not yet specified,
the speech synthesis is executed in the same manner and when it is
specified, the browser executes the speech synthesis for the
corresponding description in the step SP363.
[0312] Moreover, the browser judges, in the step SP364, existence
of description of pause. If it is not yet specified, the browser
shifts to the step SP366, but when it is specified, the browser
sets the corresponding pause period in the step SP365 and then
shifts to the step SP366. In this step SP366, the browser judges
whether instruction for the background music is described or not.
When a negative result is obtained, the browser shifts to the step
SP354 but wen a positive result is obtained, the browser reproduces
the music specified in the step SP367 and then shifts to the step
SP354.
[0313] Thereby, the server 1 corresponding to the expanded HTML
format sequentially executes only the commands in relation to the
voice processing and when it reaches the final line, it shifts to
the step SP368 from the step SP354 to complete this processing
sequence. Therefore, in this case, the services of the contents
shown in FIG. 56 are offered by voice in the telephone terminal 5,
the telephone terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6
and the private terminal 15. In FIG. 56, contents enclosed by the
tags are formed of the contents where the link is preset.
Therefore, the server 1 is caused to execute the speech synthesis
by changing the voice at the part enclosed by the tags in view of
urging user's attention. Accordingly, when the terms shown in FIG.
57 are voiced, voicing of terms is voice recognized and is then
navigated to the corresponding link destination.
[0314] As explained above, a couple of portions may be described in
parallel to form a source by identifying the portion for offering
information by the text data and the portion for offering
information by voice and thereby the time required for generation
of source can drastically be shortened in comparison with the case
where the source offered by the text and the source offered by
voice are formed individually.
[0315] Moreover, when the portion corresponding to the headline of
this source is described hierarchically, navigation to this
hyper-media of this kind can be realized easily and reliably by
voice or by display of text and the information of this kind can be
used so far effectively and easily.
[0316] FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing navigation of link
destination by voice recognition in the server 1. In this
processing sequence, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP381 from the step SP380 and shifts, when a user has accessed
to the server 1 from the telephone terminal 5 or the telephone
terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6 and selects the
service by voice by making access to the server 1 from a private
terminal 15, to the step SP382 to execute user identification by
voice as in the case of electronic mail service by voice or to
identify a user by detecting ID and password number input by
operation of operator with the DTMF signal.
[0317] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 extracts, in
the step SP385, the linked area from the description of source
assigned to this page. Thereby, in the source explained above in
regard to FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, the area enclosed by the tags
explained above in regard to FIG. 56 is extracted.
[0318] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 sequentially
repeats, in the step SP386, the processing loop explained above in
regard to FIG. 55 to present the page contents through the speech
synthesis and then waits for an instruction from a user. In this
case, the central processing means 9 changes the voice at the
linked area for speech synthesis of page contents.
[0319] Namely, the server presents, in the step SP386, various
voices to urge a user to select a kind of voice when a user selects
the service by speech synthesis. When a user selects an ordinary
speech synthesis, the central processing means 9 executes the
speech synthesis by voice of male for the ordinary portion or by
voice of female for the linked area. When a user selects the other
speech synthesis, the means 9 executes the speech synthesis by
lower voice of male or female for the ordinary portion or by higher
voice of male or female for the linked area. Moreover, when a user
specifies quality and level of voice, the speech synthesis is
performed by changing the voice at the linked area and the other
portion with the voice customized by this user.
[0320] After page contents are guided by voice and a user voices
the words of the linked area to which a user wants to make access
in the step SP387, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP388 to recognizes this voice to recognize the words
designated by user. In this case, if accurate voice recognition is
difficult, and if a user does not voice the corresponding words,
the central processing means 9 urges again a user to input the
voice after the predetermined time has passed.
[0321] Thus, upon recognition of words voiced by user, the central
processing means 9 shifts to the step SP384 to make access to the
designated page to repeat this series of processing sequence in
view of offering, as required, various pieces of information
organically inter-related.
[0322] In this embodiment, the central processing means 9 voices
the linked words shown in FIG. 57 together with numerals, on the
occasion of urging a user to designate by voice the link
destination, and thereafter detects operation of the operator
corresponding to this numeral with the DTMF signal and thereby to
navigate the link destination with the operation of the operator of
the telephone terminal, etc. in place of the voice recognition.
[0323] FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence for
navigation of the link destination with this DTMF signal. In this
processing sequence, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP391 from the step SP390 and thereafter shifts, when a user
makes access to the central processing means 9 from the telephone
terminal 5 and from the telephone terminal incorporated to the
facsimile apparatus 6 and when a user makes access to the central
processing means 9 from a private terminal 15 to select the service
by voice, to the step SP392 to identify the user by voice as in the
case of the electronic mail service by voice or identify the user
by detecting ID and password number input by the operation of the
operator with the DTMF signal.
[0324] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 offers by voice
the kind of services with the numerals to urge a user to select the
desired service. When a user operates the operator corresponding to
access to the word wide web, the central processing means 9 then
urges a user to designate the page and shifts, when a user selects
the access page by operation of the operator in the step SP398, to
the step SP394 to make access to the page selected by the user.
[0325] Here, the central processing means 9 accepts, depending on
selection by a user, designation of the page based the Gaia code or
combination of the operators of numerals "0 to 9, * and #" assigned
to the telephone terminal.
[0326] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 extracts, in
the step SP395, the linked area from the description of source
assigned to this page and shifts to the step SP396 to sequentially
add the numbers to the linked area as shown in FIG. 60. Moreover,
the central processing means 9 offers by speech synthesis the page
contents in the step SP397 for the speech synthesis of the linked
part and the number assigned in the step SP396.
[0327] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 waits for an
instruction from a user and detects, when a user operates the
operator corresponding to the link destination to be accessed, this
operation with the DTMF signal in the step SP394 to make access to
the corresponding page. Here, the central processing means 9
executes the speech synthesis by changing the voice as in the case
of accepting the selection of user by the preceding voice
recognition and thereby guides the user to the pages to be
selected.
[0328] Thereby, the server 1 can navigate the world wide web by
operating the operator of the telephone terminal depending on the
guide by voice.
[0329] (5-1) Message Dial Utilizing Web
[0330] This server 1 is capable of registering voice and text of a
user in the home page to offer the message dial service. Here, the
central processing means 9 records the voice with a voice signal
into the recording and reproducing means 12 corresponding to a kind
of the terminal used for registration and also records such voice
in the external memory apparatus 13 with the voice data of WAV
format, etc. In addition, it is also recorded in the external
memory apparatus 13 with the text data, image data and video data.
Moreover, depending on a kind of the terminal for making access to
the voice recorded as explained above, the recorded voice can be
output in direct and can also be output as required through data
conversion.
[0331] When a message content is input by voice or by voice data of
the WAV format from a terminal consisting of the computer 4, this
message content is recorded in the recording and reproducing means
12 or external memory apparatus 13. When such message content is
input by the text data, image data and video data, it is also
recorded in the external memory apparatus 13. Meanwhile, when the
message content is input by voice or image data from a terminal
consisting of the facsimile apparatus 6, it is recorded in the
recording and reproducing means 12 or external memory apparatus
13.
[0332] On the other hand, when an inquiry is issued for the message
from a terminal consisting of the. computer 4, message content is
output by the voice signal or voice data of WAF format or by the
text data, image data, video data, depending on the format
designated by a user. Moreover, when an inquiry is issued from a
terminal consisting of the facsimile apparatus 6, the video data
and text data are converted as required into the image data and are
then output. When the message content is formed of voice, it is
converted into the text as required by the voice recognition and is
then output.
[0333] Meanwhile, when the message content is input by voice signal
via the telephone terminal 5, telephone terminal incorporated to
the facsimile apparatus 6 and private terminal 15, this voice
signal is recorded in the recording and reproducing means. When a
message inquiry is issued from these apparatuses, the voice signal
is reproduced and output from the recording and reproducing means
12. When an inquiry content is text data, the text data is read by
the speech synthesis and output depending on user's operation.
[0334] FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence for
registering a message in the message service by voice signal. FIG.
62 is a flowchart showing the continuous communication sequence of
FIG. 61. Namely, the central processing means 9 waits for the
calling in the step SP401 and starts in response to the calling by
telephone when a user dials under this condition by operating the
operator of the telephone terminal 5 in the step SP402.
[0335] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 executes the user
identification process to this terminal and presents, upon
obtaining user identification, the selection menu by speech
synthesis or by reproduction of voice with the recording and
reproducing means 12. Moreover, the central processing means 9
starts acceptance of destination in the step SP403 when a user
selects registration service in he message dial in response to the
selection menu.
[0336] In this destination acceptance process, the central
processing means 9 inquires, in the step SP404, an input method to
a user with the Gaia code. When a user selects the input method
with input of the Gaia code by operating the operator of the
telephone terminal in the step SP405, the means 9 urges a user to
input of destination in the subsequent step SP406. When a user
inputs the Gaia code indicating the destination, for example, by
operating the operator of the telephone terminal in the step SP407
in response to this urge, the central processing means 9 starts
acceptance of password number in the step SP408.
[0337] Here, the central processing means 9 urges, in the step
SP409, a user to input the password number following the guide by
voice and thereafter retrieves, when a user inputs the password
number by operating the operator of the telephone terminal in the
step SP410 in response to this urge, the documents of world wide
web designated by the destination to judge whether the input
password number matches the registered password number or not.
[0338] When a mismatching result is obtained, the central
processing means 9 notifies, by speech synthesis or reproducing the
recorded contents, that message dial contents cannot be registered
because of mismatching of the password number and thereafter closes
the line.
[0339] On the other hand, when a matching result is obtained, the
central processing means 9 starts acceptance of contents in the
step SP411. For acceptance of the contents, the central processing
means 9 requests, in the step SP412, a user to input the contents
by notifying a message for urging a user to input the contents. In
response to this operation, a user voices, in the step SP413,
contents of the message dial and thereafter notifies the end of
input by operating, for example, the operator "#".
[0340] When contents of message dial are input as explained above,
the central processing means 9 records this contents in the
recording and reproducing means 12 in the step SP414. The central
processing means 9 converts this voice, as required, into the voice
data of WAV format, in place of the operation explained above, and
records this voice data into the external memory apparatus 13.
Moreover, the central processing means 9 generates or updates the
page of home page adopted to the message dial in accordance with
the contents of this voice and thereafter presents this information
to a document and then notifies the end of registration to a user
in the step SP415 to close the line.
[0341] Meanwhile, FIG. 63 shows a processing sequence for making
access to the contents of the message dial. This processing
sequence is executed by the communication sequence shown in FIG. 64
and FIG. 65. The processes corresponding to FIG. 61 are designated
by the common reference numbers through FIG. 63 to FIG. 65.
[0342] Namely, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step
SP401 from the step SP420 to wait for a calling. Under this
condition, when a user shifts to the step SP402 from the step SP421
to dial by operating the telephone terminal incorporated to the
facsimile apparatus, the central processing means 9 starts
operation in response to the calling by the telephone.
[0343] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 executes the user
identification process to the terminal and thereafter presents the
selection menu by voice and then starts the acceptance of
destination in the step SP403 when a user selects the contents
check service in the message dial.
[0344] For acceptance of destination, the central processing means
9 inquires by voice the input method in the step SP404 and urges a
user to input of destination in the subsequent step SP406 (FIG. 65)
when a user selects the input method, for example, with the input
of Gaia code in the step SP405. When a user inputs the Gaia code
indicating the destination, for example, with operation of the
operator in the step SP 407, the central processing means 9 starts
the acceptance of the password number in the step SP408.
[0345] Here, the central processing means 9 urges a user to input
the password number following the guide by voice in the step SP409
and retrieves, when a user inputs the password number by operating
the operator in the step SP410 in response to this urge, the
documents of world wide web designated by the destination in order
to judge whether such input password number matches the registered
password number or not.
[0346] When a mismatching result is obtained, the central
processing means 9 notifies, by speech synthesis or by reproducing
the recorded contents, that contents of message dial cannot be
opened because of mismatching of the password number and thereafter
closes the line.
[0347] Meanwhile, when a matching result is obtained, the central
processing means 9 reproduces, in the steps SP423 and SP424, the
registered contents in response to user's operation to instruct
extraction of contents in the step SP422. When contents are
recorded in the recording and reproducing means 12, the central
processing means 9 outputs reproduced contents. When, on the other
hand, contents are stored in the external memory apparatus 1 with
the voice data of WAV format or with the voice data of WAF format
obtained by making access to the other server, this voice data is
converted into the voice signal and is then output.
[0348] Meanwhile, contents are formed of the text data, contents
are read by the speech synthesis. In this case, when the contents
include image data and video data, the central processing means 9
notifies by voice the fact to a user.
[0349] When message contents are offered by voice as explained
above, a user closes the line in the step SP425 and then shifts to
the step SP426 to complete this processing sequence. on the other
hand, the central processing means 9 also closes the line in the
step SP427 and thereafter shifts to the step SP428 to complete this
processing sequence.
[0350] Thereby, the server 1 is capable of offering the message
dial service by effectively utilizing the Internet.
[0351] (5-2) Transmission and Reception of Message Data by the
Facsimile Apparatus:
[0352] FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence for
registering image data by making access to the world wide web from
he facsimile apparatus 6. In this processing sequence, the image
data by the facsimile apparatus 6 is registered by the
communication sequence shown in FIG. 67 and FIG. 68.
[0353] In this case, the central processing means 9 accepts input
of destination, etc. with the processing sequence similar to that
explained above in regard to FIG. 61 to FIG. 65 with the telephone
terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6. Thereby, the
processing sequence similar to that explained in regard to FIG. 61
to FIG. 65 is designated by the similar reference codes in FIG. 67
and FIG. 68.
[0354] Namely, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step
SP410 from the step SP420 to wait for a calling and then starts its
operation in response to a telephone calling when a user shifts,
under this condition, to the step SP402 from the step SP421 to dial
by operating the operator of the telephone terminal 5.
[0355] Thereafter, the central processing means 9 executes the user
identification process to this terminal and thereafter presents the
selection menu and starts acceptance of destination in the step
SP403 when a user selects the content registration service in the
message dial.
[0356] For acceptance of the destination, the central processing
means 9 inquires by voice the input method in the step SP404 and
urges a user to input a destination in the subsequent step SP406,
when a user selects, in the step SP405, the input method, for
example, by depressing the operator having the number corresponding
to the menu, The central processing means 9 reads the destination
menu by means of the speech synthesis and thereafter issues the
menu selection request to a user. When a user input the destination
by selecting the menu, for example, by operating the operator in
response to this request, the central processing means 9 starts
acceptance of the password number in the step SP408.
[0357] Here, the central processing means 9 urges a user to input
of the password number following the guide by voice in the step
SP409 and thereafter retrieves, when a user inputs the password
number by operation of the operator in the step SP410 in response
to above process, the documents of world wide web designated by the
destination to judge whether the input password matches the
registered password or not.
[0358] When a mismatching result is obtained, the central
processing means 9 notifies the fact by the speech synthesis and
then closes the line. But, a matching result is obtained, the
central processing means 9 starts acceptance of contents in the
step SP411. For acceptance of the contents, the central processing
means 9 sends a message urging a user to input of the contents to
request input of the contents in the step SP412. In response to
this process, a user operates the operator for transmission
regarding a document set to the facsimile apparatus 6 to transmit
the image of this document in the step SP430 by operating the
operator for transmission.
[0359] When contents of message dial is input by image as explained
above, the central processing means 9 records the contents to the
external memory apparatus 13 in the step SP431. In this case, the
central processing means 9 converts an image of this image data
into the image data of the JPEC format and records this image to
the external memory apparatus 13 by compressing the amount of data.
Moreover, in this case, the central processing means 9 generates
and updates the page of the home page to be adopted to the message
dial corresponding to this image data and then presents this
information to the document.
[0360] Moreover, the central processing means 9 adds, prior to
transmission of the image data of this type, the header information
(telephone number, name and department of an originator)
transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 6 and then records this
information or holds it to the document so that it can use this
information for sorting and retrieval of image data. The central
processing means 9 also records the sex of a user obtained by
making access to the user information management database 13B to
use it for classification and retrieval.
[0361] Upon completion of these processes, the central processing
means 9 notifies a user the end of registration and closes the line
in the step SP415 and thereafter shifts to the step SP428 to
complete this processing sequence. Meanwhile, a user closes the
line in the step SP425 in response to this notice and then shifts
to the step SP426 to complete this processing sequence.
[0362] For the inquiry to message from a terminal consisting of the
facsimile apparatus, a user executes the user identification and
checks existence of image registered following the guide by voice
obtained through the telephone terminal incorporated to the
facsimile apparatus to designate the menu for extracting the
contents by designating the page of image data. For this user's
designation, the central processing means 9 converts the image data
recorded by the JPEG format into the original image data and also
converts the image data registered in the other format by a
terminal such as computer into the image data corresponding to the
facsimile apparatus to transmit this image data.
[0363] Thereby, the server 1 assures access to the world wide web
also from the facsimile apparatus.
[0364] (6) Book Mark Service, Charging Service
[0365] (6-1) Book Mark Service
[0366] The server 1 also implements book mark service and charging
service in separation. FIG. 69 is a block diagram showing the
peripheral structure of the server 1 used for these book mark and
charging services, etc.
[0367] Namely the server 1 makes access to the name server 30 and
resources 31A, 31B via the Internet 2 and thereby a user designates
the corresponding address for each access. Namely, a user is
required each time to input the complicated address. Therefore, the
server 1 can register the book mark to the user information
management database 13B explained above in regard to FIG. 1 and
therefore can access easily without intentional input of address
for the pages previously registered using this book mark to
originate the electronic mail and moreover use the message
dial.
[0368] FIG. 70 is a flowchart shoeing the book mark registration
service when a user makes access from a telephone terminal. In this
case, the central processing means 9 is activated by a telephone
call from a user to execute the user identification process and
then urge a user to select the service. Here, after selecting the
access to the world wide web, a user shifts to the step SP441 from
the step SP440 to designate the page to be accessed. In this
timing, the central processing means 9 shifts to the step SP442 to
make access to the designated page. Subsequently, the central
processing means 9 presents contents of the page accessed in the
step SP443.
[0369] Thereby, a user receives contents of the presented page in
the step SP444 to navigate the world wide web by designating the
linked words. As explained above, when a user voices "book mark" in
the step SP445 under the condition that the page desired by a user
is presented or when a user operates the operator, for example, "#"
for designating the book mark, the central processing means 9
detects this voice by the voice recognition in the step SP446 or
detects operation of this operator with the DTMF signal to enter
the book mark registration mode.
[0370] In this case, since recognition error of voice due to
operation error of a user may be thought, the central processing
means 9 urges a user to check the operation and enters the book
mark registration mode, upon completion of check.
[0371] In the book mark registration mode, the central processing
means 9 shifts to the step SP447 to urge a user to pronounce the
book mark name. In response to this urge, when a user pronounces,
for example, ".largecircle..largecircle..largecircle. server" in
the step SP448, the central processing means 9 acoustically
analyzes this pronunciation in the step SP449 and registers the
result of acoustic analysis in the user information management
database 13B corresponding to the page being presented now. In this
case, the central processing means 9 registers this acoustic
analysis result as the voice template to be used for voice
recognition for the later access. The central processing means 9
holds in direct the voice as required to use it as the voice
template. Moreover, in this registration process, the central
processing means 9 notifies a user the voice recognition result,
for example, with address for identifying the page being presented
now and thereby executes the book mark registration after obtaining
the answer for acknowledgment from a user.
[0372] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 shifts to the
step SP450 to send a notice indicating the end of registration to a
user and then shifts to the step SP451 to complete this processing
sequence.
[0373] During a series of book mark registration, when a user
designates an input method of the book mark process, the central
processing means 9 detects the operator operated by a user with the
DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) signal in place of the voice of
user by the voice recognition to register the number corresponding
to the operator and the page being presented now into the user
information management database 13B.
[0374] Moreover, when a user makes access from the telephone
terminal incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6, the central
processing means 9 executes the book mark registration process with
the voice recognition or operation of the operator. Moreover, in
this case, as shown in FIG. 71, the book mark registration process
can also be executed by the facsimile apparatus 6 depending on
selection by user, in addition to registration explained above.
[0375] Namely, the central processing means 9 guides by voice a
user to input the book mark name corresponding to the address by
writing and sends message urging transmission of image data to a
user, when a user selects book mark registration by the facsimile
apparatus 6 in the book mark registration mode. In response to this
process, a user shifts to the step SP461 from the step SP460 to
transmit a document writing in parallel the address (URL: Uniform
Resource Locator) of the page to be registered and the book mark
name from the facsimile apparatus 6. Thereby, the central
processing means 9 executes the character recognition process by
the character recognition means 14 in the step SP462 to obtain the
address and book mark name written in the document.
[0376] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 registers, in
the step SP463, the address and book mark name to the user
information management database 13B and thereafter shifts to the
step SP464 to complete this processing sequence. In this case, the
central processing means 9 notifies the address and corresponding
book mark name of text data format obtained by character
recognition to a user by the speech synthesis and thereby registers
the address and book mark name after obtaining acknowledgment of
user.
[0377] Thereby, the server 1 can register the book mark with the
facsimile apparatus.
[0378] In this embodiment, the central processing means 9 executes,
when accessed from the computer, the book mark service similar to
that offered by an ordinary browser. In this book mark service, the
book mark is registered in the user information management database
13B, like the bookmark service in the telephone terminal, etc. as
explained above, and the book mark registered for only a person may
be used as required in the different terminals. Thereby, this
server can easily and surely make access, also from the telephone
terminal at the distant area, to the page which is usually accessed
from the computer 4 used at the home by a user and moreover can
check contents of the page by making use of the service by
voice.
[0379] Namely, FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence
of the book mark process when access is made from the telephone
terminal 5 and telephone terminal incorporated to the facsimile
apparatus 6 and when access is made by selecting the voice serve
with the private terminal 15.
[0380] In this case, the central processing means 9 is activated
when a user shifts to the step SP471 from the step SP470 to
connects the line to the means 9 and executes the user
identification process in the step SP472. When a user pronounces
the voices for book mark access in the step SP473 after the user
identification process is completed, or the selection menu is being
presented by voice to a user and moreover when various pages are
introduced by voice, the central processing means 9 detects
pronunciation of these voices by voice recognition in the step
SP474.
[0381] In the subsequent step SP475, the central processing means 9
outputs by speech synthesis a message urging input of the book mark
name and then waits for an input from a user. In this case, the
central processing means 9 notifies, depending on designation by
user by operation of operator or by voice, the registered book mark
together with the corresponding address.
[0382] In the subsequent step SP475, the central processing means 9
outputs by speech synthesis, in the step SP475, a message urging
input of the book mark name and thereafter waits for input from a
user. In this case, the central processing means 9 notifies by
voice the registered book mark together with the corresponding
address depending on designation by user by operation of operator
or by voice.
[0383] In response to this process, when a user pronounces, for
example, the book mark name
".largecircle..largecircle..largecircle. server" in the step SP476,
the central processing means 9 detects, in the step SP477, the
words pronounced by the voice recognition to retrieve the
corresponding address. This voice recognition process is executed
using the voice registered in the user information management
database or voice template obtained by the acoustic analysis result
and thereby the central processing means 9 detects the registered
corresponding voice recognition result and the address
corresponding to this voice recognition result. Moreover, when the
bookmark names obtained by character recognition of the image data
are registered in the user information management database, the
corresponding address is detected by the voice recognition process
with reference to the text data which has been converted previously
and registered.
[0384] Subsequently, the central processing means 9 notifies by
voice the voice recognition result and address data to a user and
makes access to the corresponding page in the step SP478, upon
obtaining acknowledgment of user by operation of the operator or by
voice and thereafter shifts to the step SP479 to complete this
process.
[0385] When a user selects by operation of the operator or by voice
the input of book mark by operator in the access by the book mark,
the central processing means 9 detects the operator operated by a
user with the DTMF signal in place of the book mark by the voice
recognition and also detects the number corresponding to this
operator and address of the corresponding page from the user
information management database to make access to this detected
page after waiting for check by a user.
[0386] Thereby, the server 1 can easily and surely make access to
the page registered previously by means of the book mark name even
with operation of the operator of the telephone terminal.
[0387] The central processing means 9 accepts, when a user has made
access from the facsimile apparatus, designation of book mark
access with the input by operation of the operator or by voice and
executes the character recognition process to the image data input
subsequently as in the case of the book mark registration to
transmit contents of the corresponding page with the image
data.
[0388] When a user only transmits a document to the server 1,
depending on the preceding registration by user, without selection
of any service, the central processing means 9 executes the user
identification process through communication with the facsimile
apparatus before the start of transmission and offers here the book
mark access service to user. Namely, the central processing means 9
omits selection of service by means of the telephone terminal
incorporated to the facsimile apparatus 6 and detects the book mark
name written in the document through the character recognition to
make access to the corresponding page. Moreover, the central
processing means 9 converts the video data and text data of this
page to the image data corresponding to the facsimile apparatus 6
to transmit this image data.
[0389] Thereby, the server 1 can offer, for example, the particular
news, etc., for the access from the facsimile apparatus, by the
simplified operation such as only transmission of the document to
further improve operation flexibility.
[0390] (6-2) Other Services
[0391] The central processing means 9 can provide various services
depending on selection by users in addition to the services
explained above. As already described, for the selection by a user,
various input methods may be used corresponding to the apparatuses
used. These services are implemented mainly by the MAM server also
explained above.
[0392] Namely, the central processing means 9 collects the access
from users for each page and notifies the popular pages to a user
depending on the collection result. Moreover, the pages opened only
for the constant period, so-called the recommended pages are also
notified.
[0393] In addition, the central processing means 9 retrieves these
pages and presents to a user depending on selection by user. On the
occasion of retrieval, the central processing means 9 retrieves the
page which a user desires with reference to the keyword input by
user and a plurality of similar words with reference to this
keyword. Moreover, in this case, the central processing means 9
accepts input of these keywords through the voice recognition.
[0394] Moreover, the central processing means 9 offers the various
kinds of services, for example, of sports, literature and arts
corresponding to classification of books and retrieves and presents
the pages corresponding to the kind of service by selection by
voice or operation of corresponding operator.
[0395] In addition, for the input of keyword by voice, it is
compared with the voice information provided in the resource on the
Internet, depending on the selection, for example by the DP
matching method and thereby the page which a user desires is
notified.
[0396] When a user instructs retrieval by inputting image data and
video data from the facsimile apparatus, the central processing
means 9 compares these data with the video information provided on
the resource of Internet, for example, by means of the template
matching and notifies the page which a user desires depending on
this comparison result.
[0397] Moreover, the central processing means 9 classifies the
information depending on age, sex of user and type of apparatus
registered in the user information management database and offers
the information service in the sequence considered fitted to user.
Namely, for a male user, for example, since he is assumed to be
interested in sports, the home pages regarding sports are guided
through detail classification. On the other hand, for a female
user, since she is assumed to be interested in fashion, the home
pages regarding fashion are guided through detail classification.
These guides are executed in common even when information may be
offered in any type of voice and text, etc.
[0398] (6-3) Charging Service
[0399] FIG. 73 and FIG. 74 are flowcharts showing the charging
service. This charging service is offered by a charging system 3
formed of a computer incorporated to the server 1, a local service
server 33 formed of a similar computer and the server 1 (FIG. 69)
so that load of user may be alleviated and dissatisfaction for
connection waiting time may also be dissolved.
[0400] That is, the local service server 33 holds the video data of
commercial and video data for notifying change of service, etc. in
unit of sex, age and address of user and access time and moreover
corresponding to a kind of home page. The server 1 offers the data
suitable for user from above data during the period until the
information of the corresponding page can be obtained after a user
has designated the desired page and moreover deposits the charges
to an advertiser offering these data, in place of depositing the
charge to a user, while these data are offered.
[0401] Namely, the central processing means 9 is activated, when a
user shifts to the step SP501 from the step S500 and connects the
line to the server 1, and executes the user identification process
in the step SP502. Subsequently, the central processing means 9
shifts to the step SP503 to drive the charging system 32. In
response to this process, the charging system 32 starts measuring
of connection time in the step SP503 and reads information such as
sex, age and address from the user information management database
13B in the step SP504. The central processing means 9 presents the
services for selection to a user in the step SP505.
[0402] When a user selects the page to be accessed in the step
SP506 under this condition, the central processing means 9 shifts
to the step SP507 to start the access to the corresponding page.
The charging system 32 loads, in the subsequent step SP508 (FIG.
74), loads the information corresponding to the personal
information of a user obtained in the step SP504 from the local
service server 33 to offer this information to a user via the
server 1. In this case, the charging system 32 offers the
corresponding information with reference to the current time and
changes the information to be offered to a user depending on the
selection previously registered by user to the user information
management database 13B or on the selection by user at the time of
making access.
[0403] Thereby, a user can check, in the step SP509, changes of
commercial and service from this information during the period
until the information of the desired page can be obtained and
thereby a user can dissolve the irritated feeling until the
connection may be established. Particularly when since the
corresponding information is supplied with reference to sex and
age, etc. of a user, he can obtain just interested information to
eliminate dissatisfaction of this kind. Namely, in case a male user
of twenties frequently accesses to the pages regarding automobiles,
a commercial of automobiles is offered to him. Moreover, depending
on the time schedule, broadcast of car race is served or, depending
on the region, automobile show, etc. held in this region is guided.
In addition, when a user selects the service, for example, for
reading the headline of news papers, the corresponding service is
offered.
[0404] As explained above, when the information of local service
server 33 is offered, the charging system 32 starts, in the step
SP510, measurement of time required for information service. The
central processing means 9 sends a notice, in the step SP511, when
the information of the page designated by a user is obtained and
thereby completes transmission of information such as commercial
and measurement of time for information service and shifts to the
step SP512 to send the information of the desired page to a
user.
[0405] Thereby, a user can obtain the information of the designated
page in the subsequent step SP513. Accordingly, a user shifts to
the step SP514 to judge whether access should be completed or not.
When access is continuously required, a user shifts to the step
SP506 to wait again by viewing he commercials until the information
of the desired page can be obtained. On the other hand, when access
is completed, a charging system 32 completes measurement of
connection time, in the step SP515, depending on the operation by a
user, be receiving a notice from the central processing means 9 and
thereafter deposits the charge to the advertiser and user, in the
subsequent step SP516, depending on the connection time of user,
information offering time of commercials and contents of
information served. Namely, when a charge-free data is offered
during the connection waiting time, the charge of this waiting time
is deposited to a person who has provided such data (an advertiser
in the case of commercial), in place of a user. Moreover, when a
pay data is served during the connection waiting time, the waiting
time charge and charge of information served are deposited to a
person who has served such data, in place of a user. In addition,
depending on the contract with the advertiser, the charge or a part
of the charge deposited in accordance with the connection time may
be deposited to the advertiser.
[0406] (7) Effect of the Embodiment
[0407] According to the structure explained above, access to the
Internet can be realized even from a telephone terminal by
combining the codes corresponding to the operators to be operated
at the telephone terminal to form the code such as an address
required for transmission and reception of information. Moreover,
in this case, with formation of a user information management
database by combining such codes to uniquely identify the terminal
and recording of various pieces of information in this database,
the data conversion process, data transfer process, information
service process by voice and charging process, etc. corresponding
to a type of terminals can be executed by effectively using the
information of this database and compensating for the information
of this database with operations by a user. Accordingly the
operation flexibility can further be improved by easily utilizing
the information network of this type.
[0408] (8) Other embodiments
[0409] In above embodiment, the ASCII code has been converted into
the Gaia code by converting character code expressed by the
hexadecimal number in the ASCII code into the decimal number of
three digits. The present invention is not limited thereto and it
is also possible, as shown in FIG. 75, that combination of
operators "0 to 9, * and #" which can be operated on the telephone
terminal may be only replaced with alphanumerics with reference to
the conversion table. Namely, in this case, alphabet "a"
corresponds to operation of operator "01" and when a user
designates the address "abc@eee.hhh.jjj" with address designation
in the ordinary Internet from a telephone terminal, the numerical
data of "010203110505051208080812101010" is input.
[0410] Moreover, in above embodiment, various services are offered
utilizing a user information management database for the
destination consisting of electronic mail termination terminal and
access terminal of world wide web, but the present invention is not
limited thereto and it is also possible to structure a database of
information origination terminal with the user information
management database and thereby various services are offered using
this database. Namely, format of data transmitted by a terminal as
the information originating terminal and language formed of data
may be identified to provide the services such as data conversion
and translation, etc.
[0411] Moreover, in the embodiment explained above, the area code
of telephone network is used as the coordinate data for identifying
an information originating terminal or an information destination
terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto but a
regional code corresponding to the mail number can also be used.
Thereby, services by mail can further be enriched.
[0412] Moreover, in above embodiment, direct access to the personal
data with the Gaia server using the server program is disabled but
the present invention is not limited thereto and it is also
possible that the MAM server and Gaia server are constituted from a
private computer, disabling direct access to the personal data from
the Gaia server.
[0413] Moreover, in above embodiment, data format is converted when
a user makes access to the electronic mails, but the present
invention is not limited thereto and data may be converted, for
example, using the time schedule having comparative allowance and
data may also be converted when data is input.
[0414] Moreover, in above embodiment, the voice signal is converted
to the voice data of WAV format or ISDN .mu.-law format, but the
present invention is not limited thereto and the voice data may be
generated by adopting AU, etc.
[0415] Moreover, in above embodiment, the present invention is
applied to the information network consisting of the Internet, but
the present invention is not limited thereto and the present
invention can also be adopted to information networks formed in
various scales.
[0416] Moreover, in above embodiment, access to the information
network from a telephone terminal is enabled by combining the codes
corresponding to the operator to be operated at the telephone
terminal to form the code such as address required for transmission
and reception of information. Therefore, access to the information
network from a terminal of the simplified structure can be
realized.
[0417] Moreover, in this case, with formation of a user information
management database and recording of various pieces of information
of a user to this database by combining the codes to uniquely
identify the terminal, data conversion process, data transfer
process, information service process by voice and charging process,
etc. corresponding to the type of terminal can be executed by
effectively utilizing information stored in the database and
thereby the information network of this type can be easily used to
improve operation flexibility.
* * * * *